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Enjoy this story from our archive, originally sent to TT members on .

This recipe was originally published as part of a menu in Tasting Table National. Want more exclusive recipes from the hottest restaurants and chefs in the country? Then click here to join our Chefs' Recipes edition now.

TT Test Kitchen Tip: Although pistachios are not traditional in this quintessential Sicilian recipe, they add vivid color and texture to the dish. Feel free to leave the out though.

TT Test Kitchen Tip: Serve leftover caponata on toasted pieces of baguette for a quick and flavorful snack.

Eggplant Caponata

Yield: 4 servings


Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes plus overnight refrigeration

  • INGREDIENTS
  • 1 Italian eggplant (about 1 pound), coarsely chopped

    Kosher salt

    3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

    1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)

    1 celery rib, thinly sliced (about ½ cup)

    1 garlic clove, thinly sliced

    2 ripe Roma tomatoes--cored, peeled and chopped

    3 tablespoons tomato paste

    2 teaspoons granulated sugar

    1 tablespoon salt-packed or brine-cured capers, soaked in water for 5 minutes and drained

    2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

    ¾ cup water

    Salt and freshly ground black pepper

    ¼ cup finely chopped pistachios

DIRECTIONS

1. In a colander set over a large bowl, toss the eggplant with 2 teaspoons kosher salt. Set aside for 1 hour, discard the liquid, then rinse and pat the eggplant dry. Set aside.

2. In a large skillet set over medium heat, combine the olive oil, onion and celery. Cook for 8 minutes, then stir in the garlic and reserved eggplant and cook until browned, about 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste and sugar to the pan and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often, until the tomatoes begin to break down. Stir in the capers, balsamic vinegar and water and season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until all the vegetables are tender and the mixture is thick. Season with salt and pepper and set aside to cool. Place in a container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate overnight. Sprinkle with the pistachios and serve at room temperature.

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