Carmela Soprano's Caponata, Italian Style Eggplant Appetizer

Okay... I told you there's an Italian recipe like the Maltese Kapunata.

And, lucky for us, in the Small Events for Men Only chapter of Carmela's 

Entertaining with The Sopranos, Carmela has a recipe for Caponata, also known as Sweet-and-Sour Eggplant.

No, it's not a Chinese recipe. 

Like I've said before, I don't know who put together this book.

Perfect Lent recipes in the wedding section.

A family vegetable dish in the 'cigars and brandy' chapter.

Sheesh.

Caponata is a simple vegetable dish.

Not just for Tony and the boys.

Bobby's kids could dip some bread in Caponata and snack away.

It's much healthier than candy or cake.

Whip up both and let everybody dig in.

Yes, even your fussy eighty-year-old Aunt.

She'll ask for the recipes. 

                             

                        Caponata

Cut into 1 inch cubes

1 large eggplant

Place in a colander, sprinkling each layer with salt.

Place colander in a pot so the water can drain.

Let stand 60 minutes to drain the excess liquid.

In a dutch oven, heat 

1/4 Cup olive oil

Fry over medium heat for 5 minutes

1 large onion, chopped

1 1/2 Cups celery, chopped

Add

1 1/2 Cups chopped canned tomatoes  

Bring to a simmer, cook 15 minutes

Stir in

1 Cup chopped green olives

1/4 Cup capers, rinsed and drained

3 Tablespoons sugar

1/3 Cup red wine vinegar

Simmer gently 5 minutes.

Remove from heat.

====

Rinse eggplant with cool water.

Pat dry with paper towels.

In a large heavy skillet heat over medium heat

1/2 inch vegetable oil

Test by adding a piece of eggplant - it should sizzle rapidly.

Add some of the eggplant gently so it doesn't splash on you.

Don't crowd the pieces, you want them to fry, not stew.

Cook, stirring regularly, about 10 minutes.

Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. 

Repeat with remaining eggplant.

Stir the cooked eggplant into the sauce.

Simmer 10 minutes.

Cool and serve at room temperature.

It's also nice with crusty bread.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge up to 3 days.

Would I make Carmela's Caponata again?

No.

I just prefer my Ma's Kapunata.

Less trouble, less oil and less frying.

And I like the green peppers.

Suit yourself.

Another recipe down.  Twenty-one more to go.