Eggplant Caponata
This traditional Tuscan relish is lovely on toasted multigrain bread.
Ingredients:
1 sweet onion or 2 Tropea onions, peeled and minced
1 eggplant, chopped into ½-inch chunks
1 sweet Italian pepper, seeded and chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, or 1 summer tomato, seeded and chopped
2 celery stalks, thinly-sliced
¼ cup olive oil
3 tablespoons golden raisins
2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon capers
Sea salt and pepper
Fresh basil leaves, torn
Method:
1. Add chopped onion to a skillet with the olive oil, and sauté for about 3 minutes. Add chopped celery stalk, peppers and eggplant and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes until vegetables are tender.
2. Add golden raisins, chopped oregano and about ½ cup water. Bring mixture to a simmer, and allow water to evaporate, cooking about 8-10 minutes
3. Add cherry tomatoes and cider vinegar and capers; cook for about 5 minutes, until mixture is uniform and tomatoes are beginning to burst. Season with salt and pepper and top with torn basil.
Gooseberry Sauce
Serve the gooseberry sauce warm or at room temperature alongside your choice of meat, such as pork, duck, or lamb.
Ingredients:
2 cups gooseberries, topped and tailed
1 small shallot, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
½ cup water
Sea salt and pepper to taste
Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
Method:
1. Wash and trim the gooseberries, removing any stems and tails.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the prepared gooseberries to the saucepan with the sautéed shallot. Stir in the sugar, red wine vinegar, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until the gooseberries break down and the sauce thickens. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if needed. If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes at this stage. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently before serving.
Variation: For a smoother sauce, you can blend it using an immersion blender or transfer it to a regular blender. Blend until you achieve your desired consistency.
Roasted Cipollini Onions
These tender little onions are fabulous mixed into scrambled eggs.
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons butter
1 pounds Cipollini onions, peeled and trimmed
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. Adjust oven rack to center position and preheat oven to 325°.
2. Melt butter in a large non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add onions and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to oven and roast, tossing occasionally, until deeply caramelized and tender, about 30 minutes.
