Sicilian eggplant relish
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- Prep Time40 min
- Total Time40 min
- Makes6 cups (1.5 L)
Ingredients
2 large eggplants
2 tbsp salt
4 stalks celery
2 medium onions
1/2 cup green olives
1/2 cup black olives
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
1/3 cup olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
796-mL can diced plum tomatoes, drained
3 tbsp capers
2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
2 tbsp currants
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
Peel eggplant only if skin has a bitter taste. Cut into 1-inch (2.5-cm) cubes. Toss with salt, then let juices drain in a colander over sink.
Meanwhile, diagonally slice celery into 1/2-inch (1-cm) pieces. Thinly slice onions. Pit and coarsely chop olives. Chop mint and measure out remaining ingredients.
Preheat oven to 400F (200C). Rinse eggplant under cold running water. Using your hands, squeeze out water. Place on a baking sheet with sides and toss with 3 tablespoons (45 mL) olive oil. Spread out in a single layer. Bake in centre of 400F (200C) oven, stirring once or twice, until starting to brown, about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat remaining oil in a large deep frying pan set over medium heat. Add celery, onions and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until onions have softened, about 6 minutes. Stir in olives, tomatoes, capers, pine nuts, currants, sugar and vinegar. When bubbling, reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, uncovered and stirring often, until vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
Stir in eggplant and mint. Cook 5 minutes. When ready to serve, chop basil and sprinkle over top. For best flavour, serve at room temperature. Covered and refrigerated, relish will keep well for several days.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories 62, Protein 0.9g, Carbohydrates 6g, Fat 4.2g, Fibre 1.3g, Sodium 216mg.
Spooned into crispy baked wonton shells, tiny purchased pastry shells or over oven-warmed Brie, this caponata relish from Kathleen Sloan's new Rustic Italian Cooking (Robert Rose) is packed with flavour.
