Love capers? 5 dishes you must try
Capers, the tiny flower buds, are a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. Their tangy and salty taste can elevate a number of dishes. From pasta to salads, capers can be used in several ways to add depth and flavor. Here are five Mediterranean dishes that highlight the versatility of capers, and how they can transform your meals with their unique taste.
Pasta puttanesca with capers
Pasta puttanesca is a classic Italian dish that pairs tomatoes, olives, garlic, and capers. The capers lend an intense briny flavor that goes well with the sweetness of tomatoes and the richness of olives. This dish is usually served with spaghetti or linguine and makes for a quick yet flavorful meal. The combination of ingredients makes for a hearty pasta dish that's both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Greek salad with capers
A traditional Greek salad is incomplete without the addition of capers. They add an extra layer of flavor to the fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and olives. The salty tang of capers goes well with feta cheese and olive oil dressing. This salad is not just refreshing but also nutritious, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch or dinner.
Caponata: Sicilian eggplant dish
Caponata is a Sicilian eggplant dish that features capers as one of its key ingredients. This sweet-and-sour stew has eggplant, tomatoes, celery, olives, and vinegar. The addition of capers gives it a unique depth of flavor that balances the sweetness from sugar or raisins used in the recipe. Caponata can be served warm or cold as an appetizer or side dish.
Tapenade: Olive spread with capers
Tapenade is a French spread made from finely chopped olives mixed with other ingredients such as garlic and herbs—and most importantly—capers! This savory spread is commonly used on bread or crackers but can also be used as a condiment for sandwiches or wraps. The briny notes from both olives and capers make tapenade an irresistible addition to any meal.
Roasted vegetables with caper vinaigrette
Roasted vegetables drizzled with a vinaigrette made from minced capers take on another level altogether! The vinaigrette usually comprises olive oil mixed with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced capers, among other things, depending on personal preference. This simple yet elegant way to enjoy seasonal produce showcases how versatile these little buds can be when added thoughtfully into dressings.