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A timeless classic of the island kitchen
Sicilian caponata is a symbolic dish of the island’s gastronomic tradition: colorful, fragrant and with an unmistakable sweet-and-sour taste. Born as a poor man’s dish, today it is considered one of the most representative preparations of Sicilian cuisine. In this article we reveal the recipe for Sicilian-style caponata as it was prepared by our grandmothers, with simple and genuine ingredients.
👉 Want to know how to make the perfect Sicilian caponata? Read on!
Ingredients for 4 people
- 3 large eggplants
- 2 ribs of celery
- 1 onion
- 200 g of peeled tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 100 g pitted green olives
- 2 tablespoons of salted capers
- 50 ml white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- Extra virgin olive oil q.b.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Sicilian caponata: original step-by-step recipe
- Cut the eggplants into cubes, sprinkle them with salt and let them drain for 30 minutes. Rinse and dry them well.
- Fry them in heavy oil until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
- In a large skillet, sauté the thinly sliced onion with a little oil. Add the previously blanched chopped celery .
- Add the chopped peeled tomatoes, paste, desalted capers and olives. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
- Add the vinegar and sugar. Let evaporate, then add the fried eggplant.
- Stir well and let it season on low heat for 5 minutes.
👉 S icilian caponata grandma’s recipe is best enjoyed at room temperature, even the next day.
Variants of Sicilian caponata
Sicilian caponata original recipe from Catania
It often includes the addition of peppers and sometimes pine nuts and raisins for a sweeter, more aromatic touch.
Sicilian-style eggplant caponata
This is the most popular version, with fried eggplant as the absolute star. Perfect served on crostini, as an appetizer or side dish.
Baked
A lighter variation in which the eggplant is baked instead of fried.
Grandmother’s advice
- Use roundblack eggplant for a creamier texture
- The secret of balance is in the sugar/vinegar ratio: taste and adjust according to your taste
- Caponata gets better with time: prepare the day before!
Conclusion
Sicilian caponata original recipe is a dish that tells the soul of the island. Each family has its own version, but they all share a love of simple ingredients and care in preparation. With this grandmother’s recipe, you can rediscover the authentic flavors of Sicily, bringing to the table a masterpiece of Mediterranean cuisine.
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