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Monday, June 23, 2014

Eggplant Caponata Sandwiches


Eggplant Caponata Sandwiches | The Sweets Life
Eggplant Caponata Sandwiches 
Even though I made these sandwiches over two months ago and they’re just now making their way to the blog, I still vividly remember the day I made them. The day itself isn’t all that memorable. I know I was on maternity leave, Brecken was napping, and I was soaking up the fact that I had TIME…in the MIDDLE OF THE DAY….to COOK (a luxury that is obviously no more!).
Pin ItEggplant Caponata Sandwiches | The Sweets Life

 It’s the smell, however, that stands out in my mind. This combination of tomatoes and eggplant and olives produced the most alluring scent in my kitchen that afternoon. When the caponata had finished cooking on the stovetop, I burnt my mouth numerous times because I couldn’t resist stealing bite after bite while I waited for it to cool so that I could let it sit for a day before turning it into the sandwiches you see pictured.
Eggplant Caponata Sandwiches | The Sweets Life

When you make this, you’ll understand what I mean. You, too, will find yourself transfixed on the smell and then returning to the pot for just one more spoonful. Although we loved the mixture atop a baguette cut into little sandwiches and topped with mozzarella and fresh basil, I won’t blame you if you skip all of that and eat this plain! A big batch of this (I doubled it!) could go so many different ways—serve it over polenta, with flatbread, or mixed in with your favorite pasta. The flavor only deepens after some time in the fridge, making it an excellent recipe to make ahead and eat different ways throughout the week!
Eggplant Caponata Sandwiches | The Sweets Life

One Year Ago: Where the Wild Things Are Baby Shower
Two Years Ago: Beet Hummus and Southwestern Turkey Burgers
Three Years Ago: Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken and Tropical Salad with Pineapple Vinaigrette
Four Years Ago: Cilantro Lime Grilled Vegetables and Reese's Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars

Eggplant Caponata Sandwiches
from the kitchn

Ingredients:
-1/3 cup olive oil
-1 medium eggplant, peeled and cut into small cubes (approximately 4 cups)
-1/2 green bell pepper, diced
-1 small onion, diced
-4 oz white mushrooms, chopped
-3 cloves garlic, minced
-1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
-1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
-3 tbsp red wine vinegar
-1 1/2 tsp sugar
-1/2 tsp dried oregano
-salt & freshly ground black pepper
-baguette, sliced into small sandwiches, to serve
-shredded mozzarella, to serve
-fresh basil, to serve

Directions:
1. In a large pot over medium-heat, heat oil until shimmering. Add eggplant, bell pepper, onion, mushrooms, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 10 minutes, or until vegetables are soft.
2. Add the olives, tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, and oregano. Season again with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally, adding a tablespoon or two of water if mixture starts to get too thick or stick to the bottom of the pan.
3. Allow caponata to cool (can be made ahead of time and reheated). Spoon mixture onto sandwiches, top with mozzarella, and broil (if desired) until cheese melts. Sprinkle with basil and serve immediately.