Happy Wednesday! One of my new year goals was to eat healthier for my snacks. We typically eat fairly healthy as far as meal time goes, but I want to eliminate reaching for a bag when I need something to munch on! For those of you that are doing the Whole30 this month, this snack is for you. While I would love to take credit for this yummy dish, I have to thank the Barefoot Contessa! I literally made this Eggplant Caponata one day and ate it all by myself! The flavors are just amazing. If you can, use as many of fresh ingredients as possible. The fresh lemon juice and parsley really elevate the taste.
Roasted Eggplant Caponata
1 large eggplant and good olive oil
4 ounces jarred roasted red peppers chopped
1/2 cup large green olives
1 cup chopped yellow onion
1/8 tsp of red pepper flakes
1 tbsp minced garlic
3 tbsp of minced parsley
2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp of capers drained
2 tbsp of tomato paste
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp of fresh ground pepper
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line sheet pan with aluminum foil.
Place the whole eggplant on the pan and prick with a fork, rub with olive oil. Roast for 45 to 50 minutes, until the eggplant is tender and soft. Set aside to cool. Halve the eggplant, peel and discard the skin. Place the eggplant, peppers and olives in a bowl of a food processor and coarsely chop. Pour into mixing bowl.
Meanwhile heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a medium saute pan. Add the onion and red pepper flakes and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, until the onion is lightly browned. Add the garlic, cook for 1 miunte, and add the eggplant mixture. Add parsley, pine nuts, lemon juice, capers, tomato paste, vinegar, salt, pepper and mix. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to develop.
You can eat this delicious dip with whatever “chip” you want! I made home made baked potato chips. Zucchini chips would be great and sweet potato chips. You can also use this with your eggs in the morning. I like to say it’s kinda like Italian salsa!! Let me know if you try it! Enjoy.
