Forktionary

Caponata

Solanum melongena Vegetable Dish, Relish

Caponata Vegetable Dish, Relish

At a Glance

  • Category Vegetable Dish, Relish

The Forktionary Angle

"Savor the complex, balanced flavors of Caponata, a Sicilian masterpiece that's both sweet and savory, tangy and rich."

Definition

A Sicilian sweet and sour relish or spread, primarily made from chopped fried eggplant, celery, olives, and capers, dressed with tomato sauce.

Best Served Flavor develops significantly after chilling for at least 24 hours.
Flavor Balance The dish perfectly balances sweet (sugar), sour (vinegar), and savory (eggplant, capers) elements.
Main Ingredient Eggplant, specifically globe eggplant, is the primary and defining component.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Caponata are:

Sweet Sour Savory Umami Rich Herbaceous (from celery)

Chef’s Secret

To reduce bitterness and excessive oil absorption in eggplant for caponata, salt the chopped eggplant and let it drain for 30 minutes before frying. Rinse and pat dry thoroughly.

Best Substitutes

Ratatouille

less sweet/sour
Ratio 1:1

Ajvar

Balkan relish
Ratio 1:1

Eggplant Dip

puréed
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Often found in gourmet delis or specialty Italian stores. Look for a vibrant mix of vegetables.

Culinary Pairings

Crostini Grilled Fish Roasted Meats Pasta As a side dish with Fresh Bread

Recipes Using Caponata

Antipasto Platter image
Tuna Main Ingredient Time To Make Vegetables

Antipasto Platter

Elevate your next gathering with this stunning Antipasto Platter! A vibrant and customizable Italian appetizer, perfect for holidays, weekend suppers, or game day snacking. This recipe offers a flexible guide, allowing you to tailor the ingredients and quantities to your liking and the number of guests. Impress your family and friends with this delicious and visually appealing spread of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and more!

See Complete Recipe