Ingredients

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp garlic cloves, minced

1 cup onion, finely chopped

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)

3 tbsp tomato paste

2 cups eggplant, chopped into 1/4 inch cubes

2 cups red bell peppers, chopped into 1/4 inch squares

2 cups tomatoes, chopped into 1/4 inch cubes

1/2 tbsp kosher salt

1/3 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tbsp sherry vinegar

1/4 cup raisins

2 tbsp capers

2 tbsp green olives, finely chopped

1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped

1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted

Stovetop Directions

1.  Heat the olive oil, garlic, onion, and crushed red pepper in a large pot over medium-high heat until the garlic just starts turns light brown (3-5 minutes).

2.  Stir in the tomato paste. Then, add the eggplant, bell peppers, tomato, and salt.  Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until the eggplant is tender.

3.  Add the balsamic vinegar, sherry vinegar, raisins, capers, and olives.  Cook for ~5 minutes, until the vinegar thickens.

4.  Remove from the heat.  Add salt and pepper as needed.  Mix in the cilantro and pine nuts.

5. Serve warm, or chill in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week.

Instant Pot Directions

1. Place the olive oil, garlic, onion, and crushed red pepper in the instant pot bowl. Use the saute function to cook these for 3-5 minutes, until the garlic turns light brown. Turn off the saute function.

2. Mix in the tomato paste, eggplant, bell peppers, tomato, and salt. Turn on the slow cooker function, cover, and let it cook for 1 hour.

3. After an hour, add the balsamic vinegar, sherry vinegar, raisins, capers, and olives. Turn on the slow cooker again and cook for 1.5 hours, uncovered.

4. After 2.5 hours total in the slow cooker, the caponata should be a thick, chunky dish.  If it still very liquidy, you can use the saute function to burn off the excess liquid.  Turn off the Instant Pot and mix in the cilantro and pine nuts. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed.5. Serve warm, or chill in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week.