Slimmed-Down Sicilian Caponata

A lighter take on the classic Sicilian caponata, under 250 calories per serving—perfect for a light lunch or as a vibrant pasta sauce.

This caponata is a celebration of Mediterranean vegetables, roasted until sweet and tender, then tossed with briny olives, capers, and a hint of sweetness from golden raisins. It's a versatile dish that works beautifully as a side, a topping for crusty bread, or stirred through pasta.

The secret to keeping it light is roasting the vegetables with just a spray of oil, rather than frying them in the traditional way. The result is a deeply flavorful, satisfying dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly virtuous.

Ingredients

Servings 4

Converted amounts are rounded.

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F/350°F fan/gas 6. Place the aubergines, onion, and celery in a baking dish or shallow roasting tin. Spray lightly with cooking oil, season generously with salt and black pepper, and toss to coat. Roast for 25 minutes.
  2. Remove the dish from the oven and stir in the tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and dried marjoram or oregano. Return to the oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes.
  3. Take the dish out and stir in the olives, capers, raisins, and most of the basil. Serve scattered with the remaining basil leaves and the toasted pine nuts, if using.

💡 Tips

  • If you can't find gordal olives, any large green olives will work—just adjust the seasoning to taste.
  • For a heartier meal, serve with crusty bread or toss with cooked pasta.
  • The caponata can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before serving.

Inspired by a recipe from Delicious Magazine

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