Thanksgiving Favorite: Eggplant Caponata

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Eggplant Caponata is a delicious Italian appetizer that can be served with crusty bread.

I first made Eggplant Caponata last summer when my girlfriend Michelle gave me the most beautiful Eggplant from her amazing garden. She also gave me bushels of tomatoes. So I sat down with my cookbooks and devised my own version of this delectable appetizer.

It would make a beautiful addition to a charcuterie tray for Thanksgiving. The wonderful thing about caponata is that you can make it and freeze it and it still tastes like the day you made it!

Now since it’s Fall you’ll have to depend on veggies from the store unless you have frozen or canned tomatoes which would work wonderfully. I used all fresh veggies to make a batch to freeze for Thanksgiving the other day and it was delish!!

Now that you’ve learned about the versatility and deliciousness of Eggplant Caponata, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for making this flavorful Italian appetizer.

Eggplant Caponata Ingredients

• 1 Large Eggplant
• 1/4 Cup Olive Oil (for roasting the eggplant)
• 2 TB Olive Oil (for cooking veggies)
• 1 Medium Onion, Chopped
• 2 Large Ribs of Celery, Chopped (or use 3 small)
• 3 Large Cloves of Garlic, Minced
• 2 Red Bell Peppers, Chopped
• 1 1/2 lbs Tomatoes, Chopped (About 5-6)
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 3 Heaping TB Capers, Rinsed and Drained
• 3 Heaping TB Green Olives, Chopped
• 1 TB Sugar
• 3 TB Red Wine Vinegar
• 2 TB Fresh Parsley, Chopped
• Salt and Pepper to Taste (At least 1 tsp salt and generous pepper)

Instructions

1. Roasting the Eggplant

• Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
• Dice the eggplant into small squares, toss them generously with 1/4 cup of olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
• Roast the eggplant on a baking sheet for 30 minutes until they become golden and tender.

2. Chopping the Fresh Veggies

• While the eggplant is roasting, chop the celery, red bell peppers, garlic, and green olives.
• Also, chop the 1 1/2 pounds of tomatoes.

3. Saute and Simmer

• In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
• Saute the red bell pepper and celery for about 2 minutes.
• Add the onion and garlic, cooking until they soften (about 2 more minutes).
• Mix in the chopped tomatoes and season generously with salt and pepper. Let it cook for 15 minutes.

4. Bringing It All Together

• Add the roasted eggplant to the skillet with the tomato mixture.
• Stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, the rinsed capers, and the chopped green olives.
• Let this mixture simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Finish by adding 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

5. Serving and Storing

• Eggplant Caponata can be enjoyed warm or cold, served with crusty Italian bread.

6. Freezing Your Caponata

• If you want to enjoy your Eggplant Caponata at a later date, it’s a great idea to freeze it.
• Allow the Caponata to cool to room temperature.
• Divide the Caponata into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion.
• Seal the containers or bags, and be sure to label them with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Store the frozen Caponata in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and heat it gently on the stove before serving.

7. Gifting Your Homemade Caponata

• Sharing your homemade Eggplant Caponata with friends and neighbors can be a delightful gesture, especially during the holiday season.
• Consider packing it in mason jars or decorative containers to make it look even more appealing.
• Attach a tag with serving suggestions or a personal note to make your gift extra special. It pairs beautifully with fresh-baked bread.
• Present your homemade Caponata with a smile and enjoy the joy it brings to those who receive it.

Enjoy Your Eggplant Caponata!

This delightful Italian appetizer is perfect for Thanksgiving or a relaxing evening with friends, especially when accompanied by a glass of red wine. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and relish every bite of this scrumptious Eggplant Caponata!

More Thanksgiving Favorites:

Turkey Cheeseball

Cranberry Turkey Meatballs

Thanksgiving Deviled Eggs