Ingredients

• Ingredients
  1. 1/2 cup salt-packed capers (see Note)
  2. 2 medium eggplants (1 3/4 pounds)
  3. Vegetable oil, for frying
  4. 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  5. 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
  6. 3 bay leaves
  7. 3 tender inner celery ribs, thinly sliced crosswise
  8. 20 cherry tomatoes, halved
  9. 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pitted green olives
  10. 1/4 cup pine nuts
  11. 2 teaspoons sugar
  12. 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  13. Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. In a small bowl, cover the capers with warm water and let stand for 1 hour. Drain well. Meanwhile, partially peel the eggplant, leaving vertical stripes. Chop the striped eggplant into 1-inch dice.
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 inch of vegetable oil to 350°. Add one-fourth of the eggplant at a time and fry over moderately high heat until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
3. Discard the vegetable oil and wipe out the pan. In the same saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the sliced onions and bay leaves and cook over moderately low heat until the onions are softened but not browned, about 10 minutes. Add the capers, celery, tomatoes, olives and pine nuts and simmer, stirring a few times, until the vegetables are heated through, about 5 minutes.
4. In a small saucepan, dissolve the sugar in the vinegar over moderate heat. Stir the vinegar mixture into the vegetables with the reserved eggplant. Transfer to a serving bowl. Season the caponatina with salt and black pepper, and let cool to room temperature.

Make Ahead

The caponatina can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Notes

Salt-packed capers from Salina are available in the U.S. through the importer Manicaretti at Market Hall Foods (888-952-4005 or markethallfoods.com).