This delicious and nutritious Caponata for toddlers recipe from Toddler Recipes Australia is a must-try! Ideal for beginner chefs, this simple recipe is full of flavour and nutrients, and uses fresh eggplant, capsicum, tomatoes and garlic. Quick and easy to make, this family-pleasing dish is perfect for catering to picky eaters and even the fussiest of toddlers.

General Information

• Servings: 4
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main
• Keywords: Caponata, eggplant, vegetables, tomato, bell pepper, olives, capers
• Calories: 300
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 26g
• Fat: 20g
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant (500g), diced into 1cm cubes
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper (100g), diced
• 1 onion (140g), peeled and diced
• 1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
• 1 large tomato (220g), diced
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 2 tablespoons green olives, pitted and halved
• 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 2 tablespoons basil, roughly chopped

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Place the diced eggplant on the baking tray and drizzle with the extra virgin olive oil. Give the eggplant a good mix to ensure it’s all evenly coated with oil.

3. Roast the eggplant for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

4. While the eggplant is roasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the bell pepper, onion and garlic. Let the vegetables cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add the diced tomato and roasted eggplant to the skillet and mix to combine.

6. Add the capers, olives, white wine vinegar, white sugar, and basil to the skillet and stir.

7. Reduce the heat to low and let the caponata simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

8. Once caponata is done, remove the skillet from the heat, and transfer the caponata into a large bowl.

9. Serve warm and enjoy!

Recommended Sides

• Roasted potatoes
• Sauteed kale
• Garlic bread

Steve’s cooking tip: Add a few slices of chopped chilli peppers to the caponata when cooking for an extra kick!