'Caponata' (Sicilian Aubergine Stew)
Caponata is a kind of eggplant stew that is flavoured with vinegar and sugar which gives it a sweet and sour flavour. It is usually served cold as part of an antipasti platter but is also nice served as a light lunch with some good crusty bread. Adapted from a recipe on Jamie Oliver.com
1 large aubergine, cubed
1 med onion, thinly sliced
3 sticks of celery (leaves left on), sliced (can be skipped - or could add sliced fennel)
about 20 green olives
1 heaped tbsp of capers
2-3 large tomatoes, chopped
2 tbsp of vinegar
3 tsp sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Approx 4-5 tbsp olive oil
Using a large frying pan, heat the 3-4 tbsp of olive oil and fry the eggplants over a medium heat till nicely browned. Remove from the pan.
Add 1 tbsp of olive oil to the pan and fry the onions gently till opaque and lightly golden. Add the celery (or fennel) next and fry for about 2 mins. Add the rest of the ingredients to the pan (including the eggplants)and season with salt and pepper. Add a few of tablespoons of water to the mixture and cook over a low heat for a total of 15mins. If the mixture begins to dry out, add a little more water (no more than a tbsp at a time).
Remove from the heat and allow to cool down to room temperature before serving.