Leftover Eggplant Make a Savoury Caponata Tart
David Scott Allen · Main Course · Provencal Recipes · Taste · VegetarianRecently, I shared my simple vegetable Napoleons with you as a side dish for the goat cheese-stuffed chicken. If you make it, you will probably end up in the same boat I did: lots of leftover parts — zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, tomatoes. While that sounds like all the fixings for a good ratatouille, there’s a catch: Markipedia doesn’t really like ratatouille. Oh, he would eat it if it’s served, but why push?
He does, however, love caponata. And so do I. But caponata does not make a meal. So I created a savoury caponata tart, and for some culinary fun, I put the pastry on top of the fillings. Continue reading here for the original article.
Upside Down Caponata Tart
This tart is perfect if you're looking for a recipe to remind you of bright, fresh summer flavours! The Mediterranean juices combine beautifully for a gorgeous appetizer that's sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil divided
- 1 large onion peeled and diced
- 1 lb Roma Tomatoes seeded and diced
- 1/2 lb Japanese eggplant peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup black olives pitted and diced
- 1/4 cup Sultanas
- 2 tbsp Chopped Fresh Oregano
- 2 tsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 zucchini (courgette) cut in 1/8-inch slices
- 1 Yellow Squash cut in 1/8-inch slices
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated, plus extra
- Butter for Pie Crust for a 10-inch Pie
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet. Add diced onions, tomatoes, eggplant, and celery. Season well with salt and pepper; cook over medium heat for 10 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste, mix well, and cook an additional 5 minutes. Add the pine nuts, black olives, sultanas, and oregano. Cook 1 minute longer, then add the vinegar, mix well, and turn off the heat. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Add the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil to a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle evenly with the teaspoon sugar. Arrange zucchini and yellow squash slices, overlapping, in a decorative pattern in the bottom of the skillet. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Make a second layer of squash slices and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes without disturbing, then spread the eggplant-tomato filling on top. Remove from heat and sprinkle evenly with the Parmigiano-Reggiano.
- Roll out the piecrust, and place it on top of the filling and cheese. Trim edges and tuck them in around the perimeter. Using a fork, poke several steam holes in the crust. Bake the tart for 25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to sit for 5 minutes. If the crust seems stuck to the pan, run a paring knife around the edges. Flip the Caponata Tart over onto a large platter. Sprinkle with additional Parmigiano-Reggiano, slice and serve. The tart can be served hot or at room temperature.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Savoury and Sweet Cooking with Vegetables
Leek and Goat Cheese Tart
This light tart recipe is the perfect accompaniment for a crisp glass of Provencal rosé on the patio or by the fire. No matter what the weather is like, this savoury and creamy tart is absolutely delicious. With leeks and goat cheese being easily accessible in most regions year-round, make this tart with a fresh green salad for a dish that is sure to impress. Make sure to allow enough time for your dough to rest before using it.
Check out this recipe
Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms: Goat Cheese, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Tapenade
This recipe is easy to prepare and delicious to eat. Serve hot with chilled rosé.
Check out this recipe
Swiss Chard, Raisin and Pine Nuts Tart
Tarte niçoise aux blettes et pignons de pin is such mouthful, of words, for a dessert. On my last visit to Nice, I tasted this fabulous local délice. French cooking is absolutely regional like its weather, and you can only find certain specialities in specific towns. Ok, I have to say this tart is not for everyone. Dessert with veggies in it does sound strange. Some might sprinkle confectioner’s sugar before serving. The tart is even better the next day.
Check out this recipe
Swiss Chard Pie - Tourta de Blea - Tourte aux Blette Sucrée
This delicious dessert contains raisins, dry cheese, pinenuts, and apples. Enjoy!
Check out this recipeFull-Day Wine Adventure from Marseille: Exploring the Côtes de Provence Appellation
Join us for a captivating day tour as we explore the Côtes de Provence wine appellation! Your adventure begins by unveiling the beauty of Montagne Sainte Victoire, an iconic symbol of the area.
Book this Experience for 2025Legal
All rights reserved. Perfectly Provence articles and other content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten (including translations into other languages) or redistributed without written permission. For usage information, please contact us.
Syndication InformationAffiliate Information
As an Amazon Associate, this website earns from qualifying purchases. Some recipes, posts and pages may have affiliate links. If you purchase via these links, we receive a small commission that does not impact your price. Thank you in advance for supporting our work to maintain Perfectly Provence.
Previous Post
Pan-Fried Salmon with Pine Nut SalsaRelated Provence Articles
Quick Appetizer Zucchini Tart
February 8, 2016
This recipe I call "Jacques Zucchini Tart." It is the perfect appetizer - think chilled rosé with a savoury, lightly salted snack that takes about 30 minutes to pull together. Your guests will be impressed …
Vegetable Tian: a Provençal Side Dish Recipe
March 10, 2025
This vegetable tian recipe from Provence is one that you want to make repeatedly. Made by roasting seasonal vegetables, a tian is a provencal favourite. The word tian refers to the cooking dish, typically an earthenware baking dish, and the cooking method. Our recipe below includes some of the same ingredients as ratatouille – tomatoes, …
Mediterranean Fish with a Vegetable Tian a Provencal Dish
May 15, 2015
This easy-to-make savoury dish combines some of the best local ingredients from Provence into a single dish. Gilles at Provence Gourmet brings Perfectly Provence readers his recipe for Mediterranean fish accompanied by a classic Provencal vegetable tian. A main course that is simple to prepare along with and a vegetable side dish. More Seafood …
Salmon with Herbed Provencal Chèvre Wrapped in Zucchini
February 17, 2017
One of the infinite dishes complimented by Herbes de Provence, enhancing the flavour of creamy chèvre all stuffed in to bright pink salmon filets wrapped in zucchini and baked to perfection.…
No Comment