Sweet-and-Sour Vegetable Caponatina

Be the first to rate & review!

Sergio Sigala uses an intense sweet-and-sour reduction of white wine vinegar and sugar to flavor his version of the classic Sicilian vegetable medley, caponata. He cuts the vegetables into small pieces, which explains the diminutive name. More Delicious, Quick Side Dishes

By Sergio Sigala

Updated on April 25, 2017

Sweet-and-Sour Vegetable Caponatina — Photo: © John Kernick

Total Time:

1 hr 15 mins

Yield:

6 cups

Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

2 tablespoons pine nuts
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium onions, finely chopped
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
Two 1-pound eggplants, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 medium zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 large tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and finely chopped
8 black olives, such as Gaeta or Calamata, pitted and chopped
5 large basil leaves, shredded

Directions

In a small skillet, toast the pine nuts over moderate heat, shaking the skillet frequently, until golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and let cool.
In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar and sugar and boil, then cook over high heat until reduced by half, about 6 minutes. Let cool.
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan. Add the onions and celery and cook over moderate heat until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the eggplants and cook for 5 minutes. Add the red and yellow bell peppers and cook for 3 minutes, then stir in the zucchini and tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes longer. Gradually stir in the reduced vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the capers, olives, pine nuts and basil. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Make Ahead

The caponatina can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Originally appeared: April 2003

Sweet-and-Sour Vegetable Caponatina

Ingredients

Directions

Make Ahead

Related Articles