Caponata

Ingredients for Caponata

• 900g small Italian aubergines (about 4)

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt or 2 teaspoons fine sea salt

• 350ml extra-virgin olive oil

• 240ml chopped onion (1 medium)

• 4 medium celery ribs, cut crosswise into very thin

• 80ml large green Sicilian olives (50g), pitted and coarsely chopped

• 50g Italian capers packed in salt (70g ), rinsed well

• 2 tablespoons sugar, or to taste

• 80ml white-wine vinegar

• 1 (14- to 425g ) can whole tomatoes in juice, drained and chopped (240ml )

Peel aubergines, leaving some strips of peel, then cut into 1-inch cubes and spread on half of a kitchen towel. Sprinkle aubergine with salt, then cover with other half of towel and weight with a baking sheet topped with 2 or 3 large cans for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat 120ml oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then cook onion, stirring, until pale golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Add celery and cook, stirring, until onion and celery are deep golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add olives, capers, and 2 tablespoons sugar and cook, stirring, 2 minutes, then stir in vinegar and tomatoes.

Reduce heat and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, 20 minutes. If sauce is very acidic, add 1 to 2 teaspoons sugar (to taste). Transfer to a bowl and keep warm, covered.

Rinse aubergine in a colander under running water, then squeeze dry in small handfuls.

Heat remaining cup oil in cleaned skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then fry aubergine in 2 batches, turning occasionally with tongs, until tender and browned on all sides, 8 to 10 minutes per batch. Transfer as cooked to paper towels to drain, then transfer to a large shallow serving dish in an even layer. Spoon sauce on top, spreading evenly, and let stand, covered with a kitchen towel, at room temperature, at least 8 hours (for flavours to develop). Stir before serving.

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