A classic Sicilian vegetable side dish that goes well with almost any protein. This version is lighter, healthier than the traditional one, but tastes just as delicious.
Caponata, a staple of Sicilian food and the Mediterranean Diet, is a triumph of scents, a simple (but not banal) ritual in which fresh vegetables are a key ingredient and the art of knowing how to dose the bittersweet (agrodolce) defines the success of the recipe.
There are different versions of this dish, which evolved over time and according to the various customs of the cities of the Island. The traditional recipe gets its unique sweet and sour flavor from sugar mixed with vinegar. A classic Caponata is fried, but this version is a healthier, baked alternative. Lighter but just as tasty and it no one will know you didn’t fry it.? 
Usually, Caponata, is served as appetizer or side dish. You can also enjoy it with pasta for a rich main course. It’s great over a slice of rustic warm bread or for stuffing Italian paninis, and it fits perfectly as a side dish with meat, fish or vegetable dishes such as soy or Seitan burgers.
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Baked Caponata al Forno
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Description
A classic Sicilian vegetable side dish that goes well with almost any protein. This version is lighter, healthier than the traditional one, but tastes just as delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 eggplants
- 4 red bell peppers
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 1 stalk of celery
- 1 cup large Sicilian capers (or sliced, pitted green olives if you cannot find capers)
- extra virgin olive oil to taste
- salt to taste
- 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 4 tablespoons light brown sugar
- sprig of basil
Instructions
- Wash and coarsely chop the eggplants, peppers, onions and tomatoes. Cut the celery into thin pieces.
- Arrange the vegetables in a baking dish and topped with capers, a few sprigs of basil, olive oil and salt to taste.
- Bake in oven at 180°C (350°F/ gas 4) for 30 minutes. Take out the pan from the oven, add half a cup of apple cider vinegar and four tablespoons of brown sugar. Stir and cook for another 30 minutes. Once cooked, take out of the oven and let cool.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 60 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
