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Grilled Caponata

A vibrant medley of grilled eggplant, peppers, onions, and tomatoes tossed with a garlicky balsamic vinaigrette and topped with olives, capers, and toasted pine nuts — a bold, rustic dish bursting with Mediterranean flavor.

Ingredients

  • 3 small eggplants

  • 1 pound ripe plum tomatoes, halved

  • 1 red bell pepper, halved and cored

  • 1 yellow bell pepper, halved and cored

  • 1 medium sweet onion, peeled

  • 1 large head of garlic

  • 1 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

  • ¼ cup salted capers, rinsed and chopped

  • â…“ cup Kalamata olives, chopped

  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

  • ¼ cup lightly toasted pine nuts


Instructions

  1. Preheat Grill:
    Heat your grill to medium.

  2. Prep the Vegetables:
    Slice the onion crosswise into 1½-inch rounds and secure with skewers to keep them intact. Trim the eggplants and slice into 1-inch thick rounds.

  3. Roast the Garlic:
    Wrap the whole head of garlic in foil and place on the grill. Cook for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until softened and golden.

  4. Grill the Veggies:

    • Place the peppers on the grill cut side down. Add onions and tomatoes. Grill, brushing occasionally with ½ cup of the olive oil and keeping the lid closed as much as possible.

    • Grill for about 15 minutes, turning once, until tender and charred.

    • Grill the eggplant slices until browned and tender, about 10–15 minutes total.

  5. Steam the Peppers:
    Transfer grilled peppers to a plate and cover tightly with plastic wrap to steam for 10 minutes. Peel off the charred skin once cooled.

  6. Chop and Combine:
    Dice the eggplant, tomatoes, onions, and peeled peppers into 1-inch pieces. Place in a large mixing bowl.

  7. Make the Dressing:
    Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into a small bowl. Whisk in the balsamic vinegar, remaining ½ cup olive oil, capers, olives, salt, pepper, and fresh basil.

  8. Assemble the Dish:
    Pour the dressing over the chopped grilled vegetables and toss gently to combine. Transfer to a serving bowl or platter and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts just before serving.


Steam the grilled peppers in plastic wrap or a sealed container right after grilling — this loosens the skin and makes peeling a breeze, while also enhancing their sweetness. This antipasto can be made a day ahead; the flavors only deepen after marinating overnight in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

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