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Epicurious

Caponata with Fennel, Olives, and Raisins

4.4

(12)

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Caponata with Fennel, Olives, and RaisinsScott Peterson

Gemma Sanita Sciabica of Modesto, California, writes: "My husband's family produces olive oil, and I'm the company's recipe developer. We often hear from customers who love our oil but complain that they don't have the time to cook. Their comments inspired me to share my favorite recipes, which show just how simple great Italian food can be."

Caponata is a Sicilian specialty typically served as a relish or side dish. It also works as an appetizer on bread rounds.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    1 hour

  • Yield

    Makes 6 cups

Ingredients

6 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds unpeeled eggplant, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
3 cups coarsely chopped red bell peppers
2 cups coarsely chopped fresh fennel bulb (about 1 medium)
6 large garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup golden raisins
1 1/4 cups tomato sauce
6 tablespoons red wine vinegar
3/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Preparation

  1. Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add eggplant, bell peppers, fennel, and garlic; sauté until eggplant is tender, about 10 minutes. Add olives and raisins, then mix in tomato sauce and vinegar. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover and simmer until caponata is thick and vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes longer. Mix in basil. Season caponata to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.) Serve at room temperature.

TagsCondimentItalianEuropeanEggplantVegetableFennelRoot VegetableOliveRaisinDried FruitFruitStarterDinnerNut FreeGluten FreeDairy FreeVegetarianVeganEasyQuickWeeknight MealsMake AheadSauteBon Appétit
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