Caponata

Caponata, a southern Italian stew consisting primarily of eggplant and bell peppers, makes a wonderful kosher parve appetizer. Serve this versatile vegetable medley with toasted bread or crackers, on a bed of lettuce, or in a scooped out tomato.

Given caponata is basically a mixture of simmered vegetables, there is lots of room to customize the dish according to your personal taste. I like to add zucchini to my caponata, but you can also add mushrooms, olives, capers, and even toasted pine nuts.

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