Jun 09 2026
RestaurantsPesto's Italian Kitchen & Wine BarEggplant Caponata Recipe

Eggplant Caponata Recipe

Time1h
Serves6

Tangy & Sweet Eggplant | Marinara | Coarse Romano Cheese | Crostini

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Ingredients

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Vegetables

Canned & Jarred Goods

Bread

Seasonings

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the Vegetables

    Dice the eggplant, bell pepper, onion, celery, and tomato into small, uniform pieces. Mince the garlic cloves.

  2. 2

    Salt the Eggplant

    Sprinkle the diced eggplant with salt and let it sit for about 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry afterward.

Cooking

  1. 3

    Sauté the Vegetables

    In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.

  2. 4

    Add Eggplant and Garlic

    Add the diced eggplant and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the eggplant is tender.

  3. 5

    Incorporate Marinara and Other Ingredients

    Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, capers, and green olives. Add sugar, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper to taste.

  4. 6

    Simmer

    Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Crostini Preparation

  1. 7

    Prepare the Baguette

    Slice the baguette into ½ inch slices. Brush each slice with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.

  2. 8

    Toast the Crostini

    Place the slices on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown.

Serving

  1. 9

    Plate the Caponata

    Serve the caponata warm, garnished with coarse Romano cheese, alongside the toasted crostini.

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