We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Caponata?

By Celeste Heiter
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 12,913
Share

Caponata is a chopped vegetable dish that may also contain certain types of meat or seafood. It is popular throughout Italy, though it is believed to have originated in Sicily. There are many variations, most of which contain eggplant as the primary ingredient. The various ingredients are typically simmered in a rich tomato sauce seasoned with vinegar and herbs. The dish may be served cold or at room temperature as an appetizer or side vegetable; it may also be served hot as a main course.

In addition to eggplant, the most common ingredients are garlic, onion, and celery. Zucchini, bell peppers, and potatoes may also be added. Many recipes call for capers and olives, and other variations include currants and pine nuts. American chef Mario Batali’s recipe includes pine nuts, currants and mint along with the basic ingredients, and he seasons the tomato sauce with cinnamon and powdered cocoa.

The tomato sauce may be made with fresh or canned tomatoes. The sauce usually includes olive oil and vinegar. Balsamic or red wine vinegar may be used. The sauce is typically seasoned with garlic and fresh or dried herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme.

The island of Sicily and the Italian provinces of Palermo and Genoa all have variations that feature seafood as an ingredient. The Sicilian seafood caponata may include lobster and swordfish. In Palermo, octopus may be added to the mixture, and the Genoa version includes scorpionfish. In Naples, a dish called Caponata Estiva may include anchovies, sardines, or smoked herring.

Caponata may also be served as a layered dish. The base for the layers is a crispy biscuit called gallette or a slice of sweet, twice-baked bread called rusk. The bread is then soaked with olive oil and topped with layers of sliced vegetables, boiled eggs, and various types of seafood.

The dish is commonly associated with sailors, as it is often served aboard fishing boats. On fasting days in Italy, which is largely Catholic, caponata may be eaten instead of a meat dish. Caponata is also a popular meal on Christmas Eve.

In Italy, variations of the dish are called Caponata Napolitana, Caponata di Pesce, or Cianfotta. There are also similar dishes in many Mediterranean cuisines. These include French ratatouille, Greek moussaka, and Spanish samfina. In Spain, caponata also refers to a character named La Gallina Caponata, or Caponata the Chicken, in the Spanish version of the children's television show Sesame Street.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By PurpleSpark — On Sep 01, 2010

Okay, it was sounding pretty good to me too until the octopus, scorpionfish, and anchovies came into the picture!

By CarrotIsland — On Sep 01, 2010

I'm not a big fan of eggplant, but this really sounds delicious!

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-caponata.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.