Recipe of Caponata - Food Recipes

-- MasterCook Extracted --

Caponata

Recipe By : Copyright © 1995 by Heidi Rabel
Serving Size : 4
Preparation Time :0:50
Categories : Vegetable

Ingredients - Preparation Method:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 large yellow onion -- peeled and diced 2 large carrots -- peeled and diced 1 large eggplant stem removed and cut into 3/4" cubes 1 cup raw zucchini -- diced 3 cloves garlic -- chopped 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil leaves or 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley 14 1/2 ounces premium diced tomatoes in puree 1/2 cup dry red wine 1/4 cup capers 2 tablespoons caper juice 1/4 cup Marinated Black Olives -- see recipe 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes kosher salt -- to taste In a 3-quart saucepan over low heat, cook the onion in oil until it is translucent (about 6 - 8 minutes). Add carrot and eggplant, and steam, covered, for 6 - 8 minutes. Add zucchini, garlic, and herbs, and simmer uncovered for 10 more minutes, tossing to blend flavors. Add tomatoes and wine, and simmer until all the vegetables are completely cooked (10 - 15 minutes). Add the other ingredients, mixing thoroughly, and simmer for 15 - 20 more minutes to blend flavors and thicken the stew. Transfer to a non-reactive bowl, cover loosely with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it cool to room temperature. Taste and correct seasoning if necessary. It should be flavorful, slightly tart, and have just a tiny bite from the red pepper. Refrigerate, tightly covered, until ready to serve. It will last a week refrigerated if there is very little air between the sauce and its lid. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - NOTES : Caponata, the Italian version of French ratatouille, is a thick, flavorful vegetable relish or stew that is used as a spread for bread. I keep it in my refrigerator throughout the summer, and use it as an hors d'oeuvre spread, a sandwich filling, or a relish with cold chicken or fish.
Serving size: 1 quart. Posted to Fabfood 1/99