Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Apple Caponata – Palermo’s sweet-and-sour classic with a delicate twist
A fragrant, lighter take on the traditional Sicilian caponata - this apple version balances sweetness and savouriness in perfect harmony.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 800 g apples (ideally Bramley or Golden Delicious)
- ✓ 100 g pitted green olives
- ✓ 3 red onions
- ✓ 3 celery sticks
- ✓ 1 tablespoon rinsed capers
- ✓ 4 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- ✓ 2 tablespoons sugar
- ✓ Extra-virgin olive oil
- ✓ Salt and freshly ground black pepper
📊 Nutritional Information
For a side dish that’s a little unexpected yet wonderfully Sicilian, apple caponata is a revelation. Sweet, tangy and fragrant, this Palermo speciality reimagines the island’s iconic caponata by swapping the usual aubergines for apples - giving it a fresh, fruity softness while keeping its unmistakable agrodolce soul.
It’s simple, wholesome and endlessly versatile: serve it alongside roast meats, strong cheeses or spooned cold onto toasted bread for an effortless antipasto. However you present it, it brings the warm, autumnal spirit of Sicily straight to your table.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Trim the celery, slice into rounds and blanch for 10 minutes in salted water. Drain and set aside.
- 2
Thinly slice the onions and gently soften them in a casserole pan with extra-virgin olive oil until translucent. Set aside.
- 3
Peel and cube the apples, then sauté them in the same pan with the onion cooking juices until lightly golden.
- 4
Return the onions to the pan along with the celery, olives and capers. Stir to combine.
- 5
Dissolve the sugar in the vinegar and pour into the pan, increasing the heat to let the sharpness evaporate.
- 6
Cook for a few minutes to bring the flavours together, then remove from the heat and allow the apple caponata to cool for at least 30 minutes.
- 7
Serve at room temperature as a side dish or as part of an antipasto spread.
💡 Tips and Variations
Add toasted pine nuts and a handful of raisins for a richer Sicilian touch. If you prefer something bolder, replace some of the apples with diced aubergine or roasted squash. It’s also wonderful spooned onto crostini or served alongside aged cheeses.
📦 Storage
- • Store in the fridge for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
- • Serve chilled or at room temperature to appreciate the balance of flavours.
- • This dish keeps well overnight - the flavours become even more harmonious.
- • Avoid freezing, as apples tend to lose their texture.
🍷 Pairing
Pair this delicate apple caponata with a glass of Sambuca di Sicilia Rosso Riserva - a rich, velvety Sicilian red that beautifully complements its sweet-and-sour character.
Apple caponata is proof that Sicilian simplicity can be full of surprises. Fresh, aromatic and gently sweet, it wins over everyone with its elegant balance of flavours - bringing the colours and scents of Palermo’s autumn to your plate.
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