Caponata – Sicilian Vegetable Stew

Caponata is an Italian summery stew. Served at room temperature, this vegetable stew keeps you cool during the warm months, and is full of nutrients. Kellie, the owner of Food to Glow, has shared her recipe with us so everyone can have a taste of this wonderful Sicilian dish.

For those who have not heard of caponata, Kellie shares how this dish transports her back to Italy: “Caponata is the epitome of summer sunshine. Italian summer sunshine, to be precise. A thick cooked-down mulch of all that is best from the summer garden (or market), this colourful Sicilian vegetable stew is a frequent gracer of the food to glow table during summer months.”

45 mins

6 people

SHARE THIS RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

2 medium sized aubergines

2 tins Mr Organic Chopped Tomatoes

500ml Mr Organic Passata

3 celery stalks

2 medium red onions, sliced

5 garlic cloves, minced

150g pitted large green olives, halved

3 Tbsp. capers

2 Tbsp. Mr Organic Olive Oil

3 Tbsp. sherry or red wine vinegar

2 Tbsp. muscovado or dark brown sugar

A handful of basil leaves, shredded

METHOD

1. Cut the aubergines into chunks without peeling the skin. Cook them by steaming in a large covered pot until completely cooked but firm. Drain well and set aside.

2. Cut the celery stalks into 2cm pieces. In a large saucepan, slowly sauté the onions, garlic and celery pieces in the olive oil. The celery should be lightly cooked, firm but not raw.

3. Add the chopped tomatoes and passata and bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for a few minutes until the sauce changes colour to a lighter red. Continue to simmer over low heat for another 4-6 minutes.

4. Add the cooked aubergine, olives and capers to the mixture. Then add the vinegar, sugar and basil. Stir gently and cover, simmering for another 30 minutes over a low heat until mixture thickens, stirring occasionally.

5. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes before adjusting the flavour with sugar or vinegar. Chill for at least three hours before serving at room temperature.