Fig And Fennel Caponata Food

MORTADELLA AND FIG FOCACCIANINI

Steps:

• Make the fig spread: Bring the figs, 1 cup water, the balsamic vinegar and sugar to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Simmer until the figs rehydrate and the liquid reduces and thickens, about 15 minutes. Let cool. Once cool, place in a food processor and puree until smooth, 20 to 30 seconds.
• For the sandwich build: Preheat a griddle over medium-low heat or heat a panini press. Split 1 focaccia square in half. Place a thin layer of the fig spread on the inside of both halves. Place a couple slices of cheese on the bottom, then place one-quarter of the mortadella on top. Close the sandwich and lightly brush the outside of the sandwich with olive oil. Cook until golden and warm, about 4 minutes per side on a griddle or about 8 minutes total in a panini press. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
• Cut each sandwich into quarters to make 16 pieces.

CAPONATA WITH FENNEL, OLIVES, AND RAISINS

Steps:

• Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add eggplant, bell peppers, fennel, and garlic; sauté until eggplant is tender, about 10 minutes. Add olives and raisins, then mix in tomato sauce and vinegar. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover and simmer until caponata is thick and vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes longer. Mix in basil. Season caponata to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.) Serve at room temperature.

CAPONATA

Steps:

• Peel eggplants, leaving some strips of peel, then cut into 1-inch cubes and spread on half of a kitchen towel. Sprinkle eggplant with salt, then cover with other half of towel and weight with a baking sheet topped with 2 or 3 large cans for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat 1/2 cup oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then cook onion, stirring, until pale golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Add celery and cook, stirring, until onion and celery are deep golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add olives, capers, and 2 tablespoons sugar and cook, stirring, 2 minutes, then stir in vinegar and tomatoes.
• Reduce heat and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, 20 minutes. If sauce is very acidic, add 1 to 2 teaspoons sugar (to taste). Transfer to a bowl and keep warm, covered.
• Rinse eggplant in a colander under running water, then squeeze dry in small handfuls.
• Heat remaining cup oil in cleaned skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then fry eggplant in 2 batches, turning occasionally with tongs, until tender and browned on all sides, 8 to 10 minutes per batch. Transfer as cooked to paper towels to drain, then transfer to a large shallow serving dish in an even layer. Spoon sauce on top, spreading evenly, and let stand, covered with a kitchen towel, at room temperature, at least 8 hours (for flavors to develop). Stir before serving.

CAPONATA WITH FENNEL, OLIVES AND RAISINS

Steps:

• Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add eggplant, bell peppers, fennel, and garlic; sauté until eggplant is tender, about 10 minutes.
• Add olives and raisins, then mix in tomato sauce and vinegar. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Uncover and simmer until caponata is thick and vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes longer. Mix in basil.
• Season caponata to taste with sugar, salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.) Serve at room temperature. Makes 6 cups.

ARTICHOKE AND FENNEL CAPONATA

Steps:

• Heat oil in large, nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add onion, celery,fennel, and garlic. Saute 5 minutes or until tender.
• Stir in raisins, and next 8 ingredients, (through artichokes). Bring to a simmer; cook over medium low heat 5 minutes or until liquid almost evaporates.
• Sprinkle with parsley. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Serving size: 1/4 cup.