Everyday Caponata

Name: Everyday Caponata
Yield: 6 side-dish servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 celery stalk, chopped; 1 medium eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices; 3 tablespoons raisins; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 4 teaspoons sugar; 1 tablespoon drained capers; 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste; Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

December 9, 2011

Caponata is one of the great Sicilian vegetable dishes, often eaten as a relish alongside pork roast or fish. The eggplant-based recipe features a wonderful sweet-and-sour taste, one of the hallmarks of Sicilian cooking—a combination of sugar and vinegar that provides a tingling push-and-pull sensation in the mouth. In my family, we often ate caponata as an antipasto, spooned over toasted bread, and used any leftovers for wonderful sandwiches. It can be eaten hot, cold, or at room temperature, making it the ultimate vegetable dish for a casual party.

Recipe notes

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.