Caponata or not Caponata? This is the question."

Sicily has been for many years among the favourite destinations of tourists on a global scale who make it the only or a stage of their itinerary aimed at discovering the Mediterranean beauties (and beyond). The reasons are truly numerous and among these there is, without a shadow of a doubt, our food and wine culture.

Sicilian cuisine is intrinsically linked to the historical, cultural and religious events of the island. This cuisine has been influenced by various cultures such as Greek, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, Jewish, Spanish and French. In fact, it is considered the richest in Italy. Thanks to its favourable climate, Sicily offers a wide variety of spices and aromatic plants, produces oranges and lemons, almonds, prickly pears, pistachios, olives and much more.

A large part of the island's cuisine is based on the use of fresh greens and vegetables such as aubergines, peppers and tomatoes, and fish such as tuna, swordfish, blue fish, octopus, cuttlefish, sea urchins, sea bream and sea bass. But let's not forget the stars of Sicily known and envied all over the world (some of which have already been discussed in previous articles): Sicilian cannoli, Sicilian cassata, almond paste, Martorana fruit, irises, granita, ice cream and the arancine.

Today, in particular, we want to tell you about one of the most famous and requested appetisers (or side dishes for some): the caponata. It is a set of fried vegetables (mostly aubergines), served with tomato sauce, celery, onion, olives, capers, sugar and vinegar. There are numerous variations, depending on the ingredients: the ones of Palermo, Agrigento, Trapani and Catania.

Caponata is used today as a side dish or appetiser, but since the 18th century it was a single dish, accompanied by bread. As far as the origin of the name is concerned, the popular etymology must be considered which traces "caponata" back to "capone", a name by which in some areas of Sicily the dolphin fish is called, a fish with fine meat which was served in tables of the aristocracy seasoned with the sweet and sour sauce typical of caponata. The people, unable to afford the expensive fish, replaced it with cheap aubergines. In fact, this is precisely the recipe that has come down to us. It is no coincidence that the caponata is included in the list of traditional Sicilian agri-food products recognized by the Ministry of Agricultural and Food Policies.

The different variants contain the following ingredients:

• Palermo: aubergines, green or white olives, onion, celery, capers, tomato sauce, oil, salt, vinegar and sugar. In some variants, basil, pine nuts and grated toasted almonds are added[
• Agrigento: The ingredients of the Agrigento version are: aubergines, arramascati peppers (in Rome the friggitelli), tomato, white or red onion, celery, green olives, black olives, capers, vinegar, sugar, honey, chilli pepper, summer melon, basil, pine nuts, raisins, pistachios and almonds
• Trapani: Toasted almonds are added together with aubergines, peppers, onions, ripe tomatoes, celery, green olives, capers, vinegar and sugar
• Catania: It is distinguished from other caponatas by the predominance of aubergines and tomatoes, combined with pine nuts and fresh basil.

L’Alba: Breathtaking villa with direct access to the sea in one of the major tourist attractions in Palermo: Mondello! Let yourself be lulled in the hammock by the sea breeze and the colors and scents of the sea that will stretch out before your eyes. A magical and unprecedented atmosphere, in the peace of Sicily's nature but within walking distance of the most coveted Palermo tourist scene ever.

Baia Smeraldo: Are you looking for a delightful home, with a private swimming pool, direct and private access to the sea, in an area that can give you peace and tranquillity away from the chaos of the metropolis? Do not go further because Baia Smeraldo is the perfect solution for your holidays in Sicily. Located 6 km from Cefalù, a tourist-seaside village among the most coveted of tourism at 360 °, this residence will give you moments of absolute quiet while immersed in its luxuriant garden, full of Mediterranean plants, or while you will let yourself be inebriated by the panorama on the crystalline sea ​​of ​​Sicily.

Villa D'amare: Wonderful villa with private swimming pool, immersed in a 3000 square metre garden and located in one of the most sought-after places of tourism in Sicily: Mondello. Ideal starting point for exploring the heart of north-western Sicily from Scopello to San Vito Lo Capo, from Caccamo to Monreale, from Marsala to Cefalù, this exquisite residence is ready to give you an adventure holiday in Sicily for just 700 metres from the beach, but also relaxation in its fantastic private swimming pool surrounded by the greenery of Sicilian nature.

Solemar: Superlative residence with private infinity pool, on the sea and located in Terrasini in the wonderful province of Palermo, the capital of splendid Sicily and the main destination of national and international tourism. Solemar is ready to give you a holiday full of emotions and relaxation: the undisputed protagonist is the breathtaking and uninterrupted view of the wonderful Gulf of Castellammare that you can observe from any point of the house. Its location is not far behind being almost halfway between the province of Palermo and that of Trapani, keepers of the wonders of north-western Sicily.

Limonaia: With a park within the property of 3000 square metres, in a fairly quiet area of ​​the fantastic Mondello, this splendid villa with a modern and Mediterranean taste is born. Its exquisite private swimming pool of 50 square metres is ready to give you moments of peace and freshness even in the hottest hours that enrich the Sicilian days. Its large and shady patio, adorned with armchairs and sofas, will give you great moments of carefree sharing whether you are with family or friends.

Lilla: Just 350 m from the famous beach of Mondello, this elegant residence is born with a well-kept garden of 1500 square metres and a Mediterranean taste in which there is a magnificent private swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, ficus and banana trees. Despite the proximity to one of the most popular beaches for international tourism, the property will give you moments of peace and privacy while immersed in the colours and scents of our beautiful Sicily.

Nerello Mascalese: Splendid country residence located on the slopes of the Etna volcano, very close to the characteristic town of Randazzo. With its 5 bedrooms, it is ready to welcome you whether you are with family or friends for a holiday of peace and quiet, detached from the chaos of the city. The residence has many shaded corners in which to relax and a delightful private swimming pool in which to cool off in the hottest hours and be able to observe the wonderful panorama over the hills of Eastern Sicily.

Viagrande: Luxurious villa with private pool located in Viagrande, on the south-eastern side of Etna. Furnished with taste and elegance but with a modern spirit, this splendid residence will give you moments of absolute quiet on its well-equipped and covered terrace or in its swimming pool immersed in the green of the English lawn and surrounded by Mediterranean plants.

Vecchia Dimora Resort: Wonderful residence that was born a few kilometers from the Etna Volcano Park, detached from the chaos of the city and the classic tourist circuits to give you the opportunity to breathe the pure and nostalgic Sicily of an aristocratic past. Villaetna is an aristocratic home that has been renovated with great taste and attention to detail to preserve its splendid Baroque architecture. With its fantastic private swimming pool surrounded by the green nature of eastern Sicily, it is ready to give you immense peace and tranquility but also an excellent starting point for exploring this delightful part of the island.
La Robazza: Rich in history and a few hundred meters from a still active millstone, this delightful residence stands on a small promontory which is part of an ancient Sicilian fiefdom where exquisite extra virgin olive oil is produced. In front of the house stands its suggestive infinity pool that will give you unforgettable sunsets and an unprecedented view of the Sicilian countryside full of olive trees.

Villa Sara: Splendid modern residence with a Mediterranean taste, nestled on a sweet promontory that will give you an idyllic view of the Sicilian countryside between Menfi and Sciacca that sinuously slope down towards the sea. Ideal for a break from the hectic city life that will seem like a distant memory while during the sunset you will enjoy a sparkling happy hour on the covered patio in front of the swimming pool.

Camemi: Delightful modern villa with luxurious details, Camemi offers you an almost endless panorama with different shades that starts from the vineyards of the south-west of Sicily and ends with the turquoise of the sea. If you were looking for a place of peace and Sicilian colors and scents, this is the right home for you and perfect for any age.

Olivastro: Wonderful house located inside the Torre Salsa Reserve, an oasis protected by the WWF. Whether you decide to enjoy the splendid view of the valley full of olive trees from the comfortable and shady patio in front of the house or to walk a suggestive path made of vineyards and prickly pears, this is the ideal home for a beach holiday in complete relaxation and in total privacy.
Villa Blu: A little more than 2 km from the marvelous Zingaro Nature Reserve, in the province of Trapani, stands this delightful farmhouse restored with taste and simplicity. Ideal destination for your holidays in Sicily as it is detached from the city chaos and immersed in 2000 square meters of garden to enjoy the surrounding nature. At 800 m from the sea, you can enjoy wonderful afternoons of fun and relaxation, between a barbecue and a swim in its characteristic private pool.

Profumo di Mare: Located to the east of the wonderful Gulf of San Vito, this enchanting villa with its beautiful private swimming pool and its comfortable and bright rooms, is ready to give you an unforgettable holiday in one of the most popular destinations of Italian and international tourism. It is not for nothing that the area in which it is located is defined as the Caribbean of the Mediterranean Sea.

Yasmin: Splendid residence located near the town of Castelluzzo, a seaside village very close to the famous tourist-seaside city of San Vito Lo Capo. With its wonderful private infinity pool, this villa will leave you speechless. If you were looking for a holiday in Sicily full of emotions, sunsets, colors and scents, go no further: Yasmin is the one for you.

Cala Mancina: Wonderful villa with private pool a few kilometers from the famous tourist-seaside village of San Vito Lo Capo. Located in the heart of Trapani tourism, Cala Mancina is ready to offer you a holiday dedicated to relaxation and fun. The house consists of a large outdoor area with the swimming pool and its solarium, a covered patio divided into a relaxation area with sofas and a dining area with a masonry table. The splendid outdoor kitchen with barbecue will give you rich lunches and dinners, with family or friends.

Calarossa: Splendid residence near Favignana, in the Egadi islands, and is located within a park of 15,000 square meters close to one of the most beautiful coves in western Sicily: Cala Rossa. A residence with a Mediterranean taste, well-kept in the interiors and in the details, with a wonderful view of the sea and the surrounding countryside.

Ombre di Tufo: Fantastic villa also located in Favignana in the wonderful Egadi islands just 300 m from the sea. There are no words that can reflect the modiva that enriches the city during the summer months, one of the most popular destinations for both local and international tourism. The villa is located in a splendid garden with a Mediterranean taste and right inside this luxuriant garden, surrounded by a beautiful lawn and several trunks, there is the splendid private swimming pool.