Description
A delightful Mediterranean dish featuring eggplant, capers, and olives, perfect as a side dish or spread.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium eggplants (about 1.5 pounds / 700 g), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 tablespoons drained capers
- 1/2 cup pitted and sliced green olives (Kalamata or Castelvetrano preferred)
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes or fresh peeled and chopped tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
- A handful fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cut the eggplant into 1-inch cubes. Spread them on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and toss to coat evenly.
- Roast the eggplant for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and softened but not mushy.
- While the eggplant roasts, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Add drained capers, sliced olives, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Carefully fold the roasted eggplant into the tomato mixture, trying to keep the cubes intact.
- Cook over low heat for 5-10 minutes to allow the eggplant to absorb the flavors.
- Stir in toasted pine nuts and sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Notes
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust sugar based on your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg