Love capers? You'll enjoy these recipes
What's the story
Capers are small flower buds that can add a tangy, briny flavor to a number of dishes. These tiny green gems are often used in Mediterranean cuisine, but their versatility goes beyond that. From enhancing pasta sauces to giving salads a unique twist, capers can do it all. Here are five creative ways to use capers in your cooking routine. Each one highlights the distinct taste and texture it brings to the table.
Dish 1
Capers in pasta dishes
Adding capers to pasta dishes can elevate the flavor profile by adding a salty and tangy note. They go well with tomatoes and olives, making them perfect for Mediterranean-style pasta recipes. Just toss some capers into your favorite tomato sauce or mix them with olive oil and garlic for a simple yet delicious dressing over spaghetti or linguine.
Dish 2
Enhancing salads with capers
Capers can be a great addition to salads, giving an unexpected burst of flavor. Their briny taste goes well with fresh vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes. You can add them to green salads or make a creamy dressing by mixing them with yogurt or mayonnaise. This adds depth to your salad without overpowering the other ingredients.
Dish 3
Capers in homemade dressings
Homemade dressings are another way to incorporate capers into your meals. Blend capers with lemon juice, mustard, and olive oil for a zesty vinaigrette that goes well with roasted vegetables or as a marinade for grilled items. The acidity from the lemon juice and tanginess from the capers make for an amazing combination.
Dish 4
Adding capers to sauces
Capers are an essential ingredient in sauces like tartar sauce or puttanesca sauce, where they lend a unique taste that elevates the dish's overall flavor. For tartar sauce, mix chopped capers with pickles and herbs like dill or parsley in mayonnaise for an amazing dip with fried foods like vegetable fritters or potato wedges.
Dish 5
Using capers as garnishes
Using capers as garnishes is an easy way to add flavor and visual appeal to your dishes. Sprinkle them on top of soups or stews before serving, or use them as a topping on bruschetta with tomatoes and basil leaves for an elegant appetizer option at your next gathering.