Caponata For One
This single serving caponata is a Sicilian eggplant dish with a sweet and tangy flavor from olives, capers, raisins, and vinegar. Serve it warm or at room temperature as a side, topping, or spread.
Servings: 1 serving
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 small eggplant or ½ of a medium eggplant - (10 oz/280 g) - peeled and cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil -divided
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt -divided
- ⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 celery stalk -chopped
- ¼ cup chopped red bell pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 clove garlic -minced
- ¾ cup canned crushed tomatoes (6.5 oz)
- 4 pitted green olives -chopped. (I recommend using Castelvetrano olives)
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 tablespoon raisins
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- chopped fresh parsley or fresh mint -optional for topping.
Instructions
- Roast the Eggplant: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place peeled, cubed eggplant on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Spread in a single layer and bake for 20 minutes. Set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery, bell pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in olives, capers, raisins, vinegar, and honey. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine and Heat Through: Stir in the roasted eggplant and cook for 2–3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer to a bowl, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and good-quality olives enhance the flavor.
- Make Ahead: The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.
- Serve at Room Temperature: Let it sit out before serving for the best taste.
- Add Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of basil or parsley adds brightness.
- Adjust Sweetness: Add more honey or raisins if you like it sweeter.
- Store Properly: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheat Gently: Warm slowly to preserve texture and flavor.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 549kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Sodium: 807mg | Potassium: 1.061mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 471IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 122mg | Iron: 3mg
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