Recipes › Sandwich › Sicilian Caponata Panini Recipe

Sicilian Caponata Panini Recipe

Recipe by Pedro M. A. Neves

This Sicilian caponata panini combines the island's iconic sweet-and-sour eggplant caponata with crispy panini bread, fresh mozzarella, and basil for a warm, satisfying sandwich. The caponata's tender vegetables and briny olives create a complex flavor profile that balances acidity, sweetness, and savory depth. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, this panini celebrates Sicily's bold Mediterranean character.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant (about 600g / 1.3 lbs), cut into 1cm cubes
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 medium red onion (150g / 5 oz), diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g / 14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 60ml (1/4 cup) red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 80g (1/2 cup) green olives, pitted and halved
• 2 tablespoons golden raisins or sultanas
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 4 panini rolls or ciabatta rolls (each about 150g / 5 oz)
• 200g (7 oz) fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 20g (3/4 oz) fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened

Instructions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced eggplant in a single layer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender. Transfer to a plate.

2. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the diced red onion for 4 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Return the cooked eggplant to the skillet. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, red wine vinegar, capers, green olives, raisins, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Bring to a simmer.

4. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld. The caponata should be thick and chunky, not watery. Adjust seasoning to taste.

5. Transfer the caponata to a bowl and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. This can also be made ahead and served at room temperature or slightly warm.

6. Slice each panini roll horizontally, creating a top and bottom half. Lightly butter the cut sides of each roll.

7. Place a layer of mozzarella slices on the bottom half of each roll, then spoon 3-4 tablespoons of caponata over the cheese. Top with fresh basil leaves.

8. Close each sandwich with the top half of the roll. Heat a panini press or large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, place the assembled panini on the press or in the skillet.

9. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bread is crispy and golden, and the cheese begins to melt. If using a skillet, place a heavy object on top of the sandwich to compress it, then flip and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes.

10. Remove from heat and let rest for 1-2 minutes. Slice diagonally if desired and serve warm or at room temperature.

Substitutions

• For vegan: replace mozzarella with dairy-free cashew cheese or tofu-based alternative, and use olive oil instead of butter on the bread
• For gluten-free: use gluten-free panini rolls or focaccia bread
• For lower-sodium: reduce capers and olives by half and use low-sodium canned tomatoes
• For added protein: layer in thin slices of grilled chicken or sautéed white beans between the mozzarella and caponata

Tips

• Make the caponata a day ahead—it actually improves as flavors develop and marry overnight in the refrigerator
• Ensure the skillet or panini press is hot enough to crisp the exterior; this creates textural contrast with the soft, warm filling
• Don't overfill the panini or the caponata will squeeze out; 3-4 tablespoons per sandwich is ideal
• For extra depth, add a small anchovy fillet or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste to the caponata during cooking—a traditional Sicilian technique that adds umami without fishiness

Caponata is a cornerstone of Sicilian cuisine, born from the island's multicultural history blending Arab, Norman, and Italian influences. The panini adaptation modernizes this classic antipasto into a portable meal while honoring caponata's role as a symbol of Sicilian pride and culinary sophistication.

You might also like

Sicilian Muffuletta Sandwich Recipe

15 min · Sandwich

Sicilian Panelle Sandwich Recipe

50 min · Sandwich

Soppressata And Provolone Sandwich Recipe

15 min · Sandwich

Speck and Asiago Panini Recipe

16 min · Sandwich