Recipes: Sicilian Caponata

Sicily, an island rich in history, culture and culinary traditions, offers a wide range of delicious dishes that reflect the essence of the Mediterranean. Among the most loved and iconic recipes of the region is the Sicilian Caponata, an explosion of flavors and colors that represents the best of Sicilian cuisine. In this article, we will guide you through the preparation of this delight, using local products such as extra virgin olive oil and Sicilian wine.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium aubergines
• 1 red onion
• 2 sticks of celery
• 1 red pepper
• 400g of peeled tomatoes
• 50g of Sicilian green olives
• 2 tablespoons of capers
• 3 tablespoons of Sicilian red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• Salt and Pepper To Taste
• Sicilian extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh basil for garnish

Preparation:

1. Prepare the vegetables : Cut the aubergines into cubes of about 2 cm and place them in a bowl with water and salt for about 30 minutes to eliminate the bitterness. Meanwhile, thinly slice the onion, celery and red pepper.

2. Drain and Fry the Aubergines : Rinse the aubergines and dry them carefully. In a large pan, heat plenty of extra virgin olive oil and fry the aubergines until golden. Drain the aubergines on absorbent paper to remove excess oil.

3. Prepare the Sauce : In the same pan, add a little extra virgin olive oil and fry the onion, celery and pepper until tender. Add the chopped peeled tomatoes and cook for about 10 minutes. Then add the olives and capers and leave to cook for another 5 minutes.

4. Combine the Ingredients : Add the fried aubergines to the sauce and mix gently. Add the Sicilian red wine vinegar and sugar. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let it cook over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, until all the ingredients have blended and the sauce has thickened slightly.

5. Serve and Garnish : Once ready, transfer the Sicilian Caponata to a serving dish and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving.

Sicilian Caponata is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed hot, at room temperature or even cold. Accompany it with crusty bread or as a side dish to meat or fish dishes. And don't forget to pair this dish with a good glass of Sicilian red wine, such as a Nero d'Avola or a Syrah, for an authentic and unforgettable culinary experience from Sicily!