Caponata is a Sicilian antipasto; its bold flavors usually include eggplant, anchovy, olives, and capers. We call our version a "caponatina," because we've finely diced the ingredients for a more refined hors d'oeuvre.
Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 1 hr
Ingredients
18 (1/8-inch-thick) slices ficelle or baguette 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil 1 (6-oz) baby Italian eggplant, cut into 1/4-inch cubes 1/4 cup finely diced onion 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon 2 tablespoons water 1 teaspoon red-wine vinegar Pinch of sugar 2 tablespoons finely diced pitted green olives (preferably Sicilian) 1 tablespoon drained bottled small (nonpareil) capers, rinsed 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 2 tablespoons finely diced celery
Special equipment: a deep-fat thermometer
Garnish: small fresh basil leaves
Preparation
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350F.
Toast bread on a baking sheet until crisp and pale golden, 12 to 15 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool.
Heat vegetable oil in a 1- to 1 1/2-quart heavy saucepan over high heat until it registers 375F on thermometer. Fry eggplant in 4 batches, stirring frequently, until pale golden, about 3 minutes per batch, transferring with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. (Return oil to 375F between batches.)
Cook onion in olive oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and cinnamon and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in water, vinegar, and sugar until combined, then add olives, capers, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add eggplant and celery and cook, stirring gently, 1 minute. Transfer caponatina to a bowl and cool to room temperature.
Serve toasts topped with caponatina.
Cooks' notes:
Toasts can be made 1 week ahead and cooled completely, then kept in an airtight container at room temperature.
Caponatina can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Bring to room temperature before serving.
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