Caponata Picnic Sandwiches |
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Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 35 Minutes |
Ready In: 55 Minutes Servings: 6 |
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I have just been turned on to the wonderful taste of caponata, thanks to RitaL! Here is a wonderful recipe adapted from Everyday Italian! Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil |
1 stalk celery, chopped |
1 medium eggplant, cut into 1/2 inch pieces |
salt & freshly ground black pepper |
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2 inch pieces |
4 sun-dried tomatoes (optional) |
1 medium onion, chopped |
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes |
3 tablespoons raisins |
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves |
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar |
2 teaspoons sugar |
3 tablespoons drained capers |
1 loaf ciabatta or 1 loaf sourdough bread or 1 loaf country bread, cut crosswise into 6 equal pieces |
3 cloves garlic, peeled |
6 slices drained water-packed fresh mozzarella cheese (1/3-inch-thick) |
Directions:
1. Heat 1/4 cup of the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the celery and saute until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the eggplant and saute until beginning to soften, about 2 minutes.
4. Season with salt.
5. Add the red pepper and cook until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the onion and saute until translucent, about 3 minutes.
7. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, raisins, and oregano.
8. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
9. Simmer over medium-low heat until the flavors blend and the mixture thickens, stirring often, about 20 minutes.
10. Add the vinegar, sugar, and capers.
11. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
12. Cut the bread pieces horizontally in half.
13. Grill the bread cut side down on a grill pan over medium high heat until golden, about 2 minutes.
14. Rub the whole garlic cloves over the toasted side of the bread.
15. Add a slice of mozzarella to bread bottom, spoon the caponata on top, cover with the other bread half and serve.
16. To take for a picnic: Wrap the sandwiches separately in plastic wrap or parchment paper.
17. Chill until ready to serve, or keep at room temperature up to 1 hour.
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