Sicilian Eggplant Caponata
30 minutes
4 servings
1
1
cup
pine nuts
Toss pine nuts with 1 teaspoon olive oil and transfer to a large plate. Toast by microwaving on high power for 2 minutes. Continue microwaving at 30 second intervals until golden brown and nutty, 3 to 8 minutes total. Alternatively, toast in a toaster oven set at 375 F until golden brown and nutty, about 15 minutes. Set aside.
2
1/4
cup
olive oil
1
pound
globe eggplant
cut into 3/4-inch dice
Heat 4 tablespoons oil in a large non-stick or cast iron skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add eggplant and cook, tossing occasionally, until completely softened and browned in spots (eggplant will initially absorb all of the oil then slowly release some of it), about 6 minutes.
3
1/8
cup
oil
4
scallions
white part only, sliced into 1/4-inch segments
1
medium
red bell pepper
cut into 1/2-inch dice
4
cloves
garlic
thinly sliced
Push eggplant to the side of the skillet and add 2 more tablespoons oil to the center. Add scallions, celery, bell pepper, and garlic and toss to combine with the eggplant. Cook, stirring and tossing frequently, until vegetables are softened and aromatic, about 3 minutes longer.
4
2
Tbsp
mint
minced
2
Tbsp
parsley
minced
2
Tbsp
tomato paste
1/2
tsp
ground cinnamon
1/2
cup
raisins
2
Tbsp
capers
drained and rinsed
2
Tbsp
sugar
2
Tbsp
red wine vinegar
2
Tbsp
balsamic vinegar
1/8
cup
olive oil
to taste
salt and pepper
Add reserved pine nuts, mint, parsley, tomato paste, ground cinnamon, raisins, capers, sugar, red wine vinegar, and balsamic vinegar and toss to combine. Drizzle in remaining olive oil and bring to a simmer, adding water a tablespoon at a time as necessary until caponata has a sauce-like consistency that is loose, but doesn't run freely over a plate. Season to taste with salt and pepper.