Basmati Rice with Vegetable Caponata

The vegetable caponata is a typically Sicilian dish, which I will propose to you in combination with Basmati rice instead of the classic bread or as a side dish. Basmati rice, with its aroma and texture, pairs well with the richness of flavors in the caponata, bringing a touch of internationality to the dish. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 200 g of Basmati rice
• 1 large eggplant
• 2 stalks of celery
• 1 onion
• 2 ripe tomatoes
• 1 red pepper
• 1 yellow pepper
• 50 g of salted capers
• 50 g of pitted green olives
• A handful of pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Preparation

1. Start by preparing the rice following the instructions on the package. Generally, Basmati rice requires a rinse in cold water and a cooking ratio of water to rice of 1:2. Bring to a boil, lower the flame, cover, and cook until all the water is absorbed.
2. For the caponata, wash and cut the eggplant into cubes, then put them under salt for about 20 minutes to remove the bitterness.
3. In the meantime, clean the celery and boil it in salted water for 5 minutes, then drain and chop it.
4. Clean and dice the peppers, and cut the tomatoes into strips after scalding and peeling them.
5. Rinse the eggplants to remove the salt and dry them by patting with kitchen paper.
6. In a large skillet, heat the oil and begin to fry the chopped onion until it becomes transparent. Then add the eggplant and fry it until it is golden.
7. Add the peppers, tomatoes, and celery and let everything stew for about 10 minutes.
8. Now add the previously desalted capers, olives, and pine nuts and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
9. Finally, add white wine vinegar and sugar, adjust with salt and pepper, and cook for a few more minutes until the caponata is shiny and the sauce has thickened.
10. Let the caponata rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serve the Basmati rice on plates accompanied by the vegetable caponata and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Curiosities

The vegetable caponata is a dish full of history, reflecting the many cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries, such as Arab, Spanish, and French gastronomy. It is traditionally a summer dish, but is prepared in different variations throughout the region and in every season.