Sicilian Caponata
What grows together, goes together. Sicilian Caponata, with its blend of eggplant, tomatoes, olives, and capers, pairs perfectly with Terra Dives Cecé Rosso wine from Sicily. The wine’s vibrant acidity and earthy notes enhance the caponata’s complex flavors, making for a harmonious and satisfying pairing. Serve with some toasty bread and enjoy with your glass of wine.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 large eggplant (1 ¼ lb or so), cut into 1-inch cubes
- kosher salt
- extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, cored and chopped
- 2 small celery stalks, thinly sliced
- black pepper
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp capers
- ¼ cup pitted green olives, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup raisins
- 2 teaspoons honey, more to your liking
- 1 bay leaf
- ¼ tsp to ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
DIRECTIONS:
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Heat the oven to 400ºF.
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Season the eggplant cubes with salt (if you have the time, set it aside in a colander to sweat out its bitterness for about 20 or 30 minutes, while you prepare the remaining ingredients. Pat dry with paper towel).
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Place the seasoned eggplant cubes on a sheet pan, add a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (about 3 tablespoons or so) and toss to coat. Roast the eggplant in the heated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until browned.
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Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onions, bell pepper, and celery. Season with a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, tossing regularly until softened.
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Add the tomatoes, capers, olives, raisins, honey, bay leaf and crushed pepper flakes. Pour in the vinegar and white wine. Stir to combine. Simmer on medium-low heat for 10 minutes.
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Stir in the roasted eggplant and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes in the sauce. Finish with fresh parsley and mint.
© Recipe courtesy of Suzy Karadsheh at The Mediterranean Dish.
SEPTEMBER WINE CLUB:

Terra Dives
Cecé Rosso
Terre Sicilane IGT
Sicily, Italy
MELLOW WINE STYLE
Ruby red with violet reflections, fruity bouquet with hints of red fruit. In the mouth, it is round with good structure and personality. Overall it’s well balanced and persistent.
Varietal: Blend of red IGT Terre Siciliane
Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Production Area: Mazara del Vallo/Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Soil Type: Calcareous/clayey
Altitude: 150 meters above sea level
Training System: Double cordon
Plants density: 4,000 per hectare
Yield per hectare: 8 tons
Harvest: Manual, second decade of September
Vinification: Destemming, maceration for 7/10 days and fermentation at a temperature of 77ºF in stainless steel tanks
Aging: 3 months in stainless steel tanks
Pairings: Pairs well with red meat dishes and medium-mature cheeses
Serving Temperature: 60.8ºF to 64.4ºF
About the Winery:
Terra Dives, established in 2019 in Petrosino (Trapani), is dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage of Sicilian viticulture. With a legacy spanning three generations, the winery expertly blends traditional practices with modern technology to craft exceptional wines that represent the essence of Sicily. Terra Dives is committed to producing and bottling wines that showcase the finest native Sicilian grape varieties, as well as select international ones, all while prioritizing sustainability and staying attuned to evolving market trends. Click here to learn more.
Information & Photos © Terra Dives – All Rights Reserved.
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