Skip to main content

Moroccan-Spiced Caponata and Basil Hero

3.0

(7)

In the following recipe we've added a North African twist to caponata, a versatile Italian eggplant concoction that is usually served as a salad or relish.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 4 sandwiches

Ingredients

For caponata

1 tablespoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 medium eggplant (about 1 pound), cut into 1-inch cubes
1 small red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 small yellow bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 cup water
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoon sugar
1 medium zucchini, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
10 ounces Italian bread (about a 17- by 3 1/2-inch loaf)
1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, washed well and spun dry.

Preparation

  1. Make caponata:

    Step 1

    In a large heavy saucepan toast spices over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in eggplant, bell peppers, onion, garlic, water, lemon juice, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes, or until eggplant is almost tender. Stir in zucchini and simmer uncovered, until vegetables are tender and most liquid is evaporated, about 5 minutes. Cool caponata slightly and transfer to a bowl. Chill caponata, covered, until cold, about 2 hours. Caponata may be made 3 days ahead and chilled, covered.

    Step 2

    Halve bread horizontally with a serrated knife and make 1 large hero with caponata and basil. Cut hero into 4 pieces.

Nutrition Per Serving

Each Sandwich: about 267 calories and 1 gram fat (5% of calories from fat)
#### Nutritional analysis provided by Gourmet
Read More
A birthday favorite in the Bon Appétit Test Kitchen.
Like hot honey chicken with peaches and a dirty martini spritz.
Dashi gives a phenomenal boost to all kinds of dishes that crave umami.
In this vegetarian stir-fry, crumbling tofu dramatically increases its surface area, all the better for absorbing heady spices.
Salami, provolone, olives, pickled peppers—need we say more?
Chopped kimchi and soy sauce transform mellow tuna salad into your new favorite riff on the classic diner sandwich.
Assembled right in the skillet, no bowls needed.
A blender dressing does double duty as both a flavorful marinade and a final dressing in this pared-back version of Vietnamese-style lemongrass chicken.