Try this Sicilian caponata with almonds recipe
Sicilian caponata with almonds, a traditional Sicilian dish, is celebrated for its sweet and sour flavors. This vegetarian and eggless recipe has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries, often enjoyed as a side dish or appetizer. Its history reflects the diverse cultures influencing Sicilian cooking. Combining vegetables and nuts, it offers both delicious taste and nutritional value. Let's start cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
For this dish, you need one large eggplant (cubed), two tablespoons olive oil, one chopped onion, two minced garlic cloves, two chopped celery stalks, a 14.1-ounce can of chopped tomatoes, three tablespoons red wine vinegar, two teaspoons sugar, fresh basil leaves (chopped), 50 grams roasted almonds (chopped), and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Preparing the eggplant
Begin by salting the cubed eggplant generously and letting it sit in a colander for about 20 minutes. This process helps to draw out moisture from the eggplant, reducing bitterness. After 20 minutes, rinse the eggplant under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. This step ensures that your caponata has just the right texture.
Cooking vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan and saute until they are soft but not browned, about five minutes. Then add chopped celery to the mix and cook for another five minutes until slightly softened. These vegetables form the aromatic base for your caponata.
Adding eggplant and tomatoes
Add the prepared eggplant to the pan, along with the canned tomatoes. Mix well to ensure even distribution of ingredients. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender yet still maintain their shape. This slow cooking melds the flavors together perfectly, allowing for a beautifully harmonious blend in the dish.
Final touches
Once the vegetables are tender, add red wine vinegar, sugar, basil leaves, and roasted almonds to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook uncovered on low heat for five more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Your Sicilian caponata with almonds is ready! Serve it as an appetizer or side with crusty bread or as part of a larger meal.
