Think in taste, appreciate the ordinary

Caponata variations

featured image

Classic among classics

classic caponata

Can we speak of variations? And is there a classic preparation? Even the one most Sicilians know differ from each other.

It usually starts with eggplant. Followed by celery, onion, olives and capers. And tomato sauce. A dash of vinegar, sufficient sugar. Even then, there seems to be no consensus on quantity. Nor order. And even less cooking time. 

This unpredictability is part of caponata‘s success. There is no bad caponata. There is only caponata that is not as good as others.

The eggplant variations

When caponata is served without adjective, it has eggplant. Let’s avoid tautologies

As earlier stated, there are variations even on the classic theme. Those regard the adding rather than the preparation. Some use personal touches, as to sign the dish. Cocoa powder, almonds, pistachio. Honey may substitute sugar. And fancy vinegars are pushing the common wine vinegar aside. 

variations on a theme, adding nuts, pistachio and more

Swordfish variations

caponata variations, swordfish

Swordfish is popular in the Sicilian kitchen. How did it end up in caponata? Some affirm the name caponata derives from ‘capone’ a fish (dolphinfish). Variations on a variation as it were.

There are two schools for this recipe. The one that leaves the eggplant in and those who catch the fish and jettison the vegetable.

Swordfish caponata is a bit pretentious. And that explains the current popularity. 

 

 

Apples and pears

Yes indeed, apple caponata. And what’s more, it is surprisingly tasty as well. The sourness of the apple contrasts wonderfully well with greasy meats. Excellent company for pork loin and rabbit.

Apple – or pears – substitute eggplant. Especially pears don’t like the company of eggplant.

variations on caponata, apple caponata

Fancy variations

variations, caponata with squid and lobster

The fancy variations have always existed. Showing off not new. The luster comes with the adjective. Lobster caponata, squid and shrimp caponata. 

The procedure does not change. And truth be told, that is problematic. Sweet and sour don’t allow any ingredient to stand out. So, a waste when talking taste wise. The texture on the other hand is outstanding. Specially when using squid. 

More food articles

cutting board with cold meat, a chili pepper and a knife: very Sicilian indeed

Further more

Reference.guru

man sleeping on a bench with a typical Sicilian hat

From dusk till dawn

From dusk till dawn

An arbitrary selection of the finest place to stay overnight
snooze
silhouette of a man eating, wearing a typical Sicilian Coppola

Dig in

Dig in

Feeling peckish, hungry or ravenous?
waiter, please