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+ servings
jamie oliver caponata copycat recipe
Sheila Browder

Jamie Oliver Caponata Recipe 

Before we dive into the delectable world of Jamie Oliver's Caponata, let’s talk about some fantastic pairings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 249

Ingredients
  

  • 3 red onions 350g, peeled and quartered
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 kg cauliflower broken into approximately 4 cm florets
  • 3 celery stalks chopped into 2 cm pieces
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 50 g golden sultanas
  • 2 x 400g cans of whole plum tomatoes roughly chopped
  • 100 g green or black olives pitted and halved
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • ½ bunch fresh cilantro 20g, leaves roughly chopped
  • 1 small red chili finely chopped
  • Crusty bread warm, to serve

Equipment

  • Pan

Method
 

  1. Start by neatly slicing three red onions into quarters. This forms the base of your dish. Each piece should hold its shape, providing that wonderful onion zing as it cooks.
  2. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in the quartered onions and sauté them until they're soft and golden. Keep stirring them occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Once your onions have taken on a lovely hue, it’s time for the cauliflower. Add the florets to the pan, cooking and stirring until they start to tenderize—about five to seven minutes. The goal is to achieve a slight golden edge.
  4. Next, mix in your chopped celery and the golden sultanas. This will add more texture and sweetness. Cook for another five minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
  5. Pour in the chopped plum tomatoes, followed by the apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together. The tomatoes will create a lush, flavorful sauce that coats the ingredients beautifully.
  6. Now’s the time to sprinkle in the capers and your choice of olives. Both ingredients bring in a punchy flavor that is vital for authenticity. Stir well and allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
  7. Just before serving, mix in finely chopped cilantro and red chili. This step brightens the dish and adds a beautiful pop of color. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding salt and pepper as needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 249kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 8gFat: 7.9gSaturated Fat: 1.3gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 657mgFiber: 9gSugar: 25g

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies make a huge difference in taste. Go for seasonal produce when possible.
  • Experiment: Don’t hesitate to incorporate your favorite veggies. Zucchini or bell peppers make great additions.
  • Enhance the Flavors: If you like a kick, increase the amount of chili. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
  • Let it Rest: Allow the Caponata to cool down at room temperature to enhance flavor.
  • Perfect Pairings: Serve with warm, crusty bread to fully enjoy the stew-like aspects of the dish.

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