Caponata recipe served on a plate, by Pekin the Chef
Jul 14 2026

Caponata Recipe

Time1h
Serves6

A sweet and inviting medley of tender eggplant, tomatoes, olives, capers, and fresh veggies served cold with crostini.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables

Other Ingredients

Crostini

Method

Preparation of Vegetables

1

Prepare the Eggplant

Cut the eggplant into 1-inch cubes, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit for about 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry.

2

Chop the Vegetables

Dice the zucchini, red bell pepper, red onion, and garlic. Chop the tomatoes into small pieces.

Cooking the Caponata

3

Cook Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the eggplant and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Add the zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

4

Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in the chopped tomatoes, green olives, capers, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

5

Finish with Vinegar and Basil

Remove from heat and stir in the red wine vinegar and chopped fresh basil. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.

Preparing the Crostini

6

Prepare Baguette

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick slices.

7

Toast the Slices

Brush both sides of the baguette slices with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Place them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Serving

8

Serve the Caponata

Once cooled, serve the caponata in a bowl alongside the crostini. Enjoy as a cold appetizer or snack.