Caponata is a Sicilian dish that incorporates Eggplant, vegetables, Olive Oil, Olives, Capers and Tomato sauce. Caponata with a Twist takes the Sicilian version and adds a bit of added flavors to make this dish my own. Rustic bold flavors with a hearty approach on Eggplant incorporates well with the addition of sweet buttery Cabbage amongst heat and sweetness delivering a perfect twist on traditional Caponata.
Eggplant is mild tasting and has a flavor profile similar to Squash or Zucchini. It tends to take on whatever flavors you introduce to it such as Pasta Sauces, Dips or Oil based dishes. It can be fried, roasted or grilled and provides a great option to use in any recipe once you learn how to use it. Eggplants do provide a variation of types with some being sweeter than others or more on the bitter side.
This season around, my Eggplant bush/tree decided to produce an abundance of beautiful Eggplants. It was fun and challenging coming up with different recipes but that’s my vibe. My favorite of them being my Eggplant Parmesan. Caponata just looked so beautifully put together in a rustic type a way that I had to try it. The simple flavors never had a chance with me since I love to explore on my palate a bit. Out came some Cabbage and Chili Peppers for more texture and heat. Honey for sweetness along with the Balsamic Vinegar. A little bit more love and flavors and Caponata with a Twist was invented. Enjoy it hot or cold on a warm Crusty Loaf or along side your favorite Protein or Pasta dish.
Caponata with a Twist
Equipment
- Roasting Pan
- Cutting Board
- Large Skillet with lid
- Knife
Ingredients
Produce
- 2 large Eggplants Cubed into bite size pieces. I peel some of the skin off since I am not a fan of the skin but still wanted some texture.
- 3 cups Cabbage (Optional) Chopped to smaller pieces.
- 1 Yellow Onion Diced.
- 1 Sweet Pepper Diced.
- 1 Red Chili Pepper Diced.
- 1 Package Cherry Tomatoes Halved.
- 5 Garlic Cloves Minced.
- 1/2 Lemon Juiced.
Dairy
- 2 tbsp Butter
Pantry
- 1/4 Balsamic Vinegar May substitute for Red Wine Vinegar.
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 2 tbsp Capers
- 2 tbsp Pitted Green Olives Chopped up.
- 1 can Fire Roasted Tomatoes
Seasonings
- 2 tbsp Garlic Herb Seasoning No Salt
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning No Salt
- 2 Sazon Packets
- Salt To Taste.
- Black Pepper To Taste.
Oil
- Olive Oil
Instructions
Eggplant
- Preheat Oven 400℉
- Place cubed Eggplant in a bowl.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil.
- Add 1 tablespoon Garlic Herb Seasoning and a couple generous pinches of Salt and Black Pepper.
- Toss all together being sure to distribute seasonings thoroughly.
- Spray roasting pan with nonstick spray.
- Spread Eggplant onto pan and roast for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown being sure to stir midway through cooking time.
Meanwhile
- Heat Skillet on Medium/High and add Butter and a drizzle of Olive Oil.
- Add Cabbage (if using and if not, omit step) and begin sautéing for 5-7 minutes or until begins to soften.
- Add Onion, Pepper, Chili Pepper, Garlic Cloves, sliced Cherry Tomatoes and remaining Garlic Herb Seasoning, Italian Blend Seasoning, Onion Powder and a couple of generous pinches of Salt and Black Pepper. Stir to incorporate and continue sautéing for 5-7 minutes or until all ingredients are cooked thoroughly.
- Eggplant should be completely roasted at this point. Remove from oven and add directly into Skillet and stir to incorporate.
- Add remaining ingredients of canned Tomatoes, Balsamic Vinegar, Honey, Capers, Green Olives, Lemon Juice and Sazon Packets. Stir all ingredients together and cover with a lid.
- Lower cooking temperature to medium and let it simmer for 15 minutes or so to allow flavors to merry together. Midway through cooking process, taste to see if additional seasonings are needed.
- Allow to cool before serving over Crusty Bread or serve as a side dish for any of your favorite proteins or pasta dishes. Enjoy!
[…] meal which seems to be my favorite all time meatless meal. I have also come to love my version of Caponata with a Twist, my latest recipe incorporating my abundance in Eggplant. It makes for a great option in a […]