Most people will have heard of the Sicilian ‘caponata’, but few know the ‘caponata’ of Molise. A single dish with toasted bread softened in water and vinegar, fresh vegetables, olives, anchovies and boiled eggs. Perfect for hot summer days.

There are no eggplant or other fried vegetables, nor sauce as in the traditional Sicilian recipe. The ‘caponata’ of Molise is another thing: a tasty salad with fresh ingredients, that can’t miss on the tables during the summer.
The recipe is simple, but there are many variations. Everyone can decide to add or remove ingredients.

The ingredients are:

• taralli or biscotti molisani (a toasted bread)
• vinegar
• hard-boiled eggs
• fresh tomatoes
• black or green olives
• cucumbers
• anchovies
• onions
• celery
• basil

This delicious dish is prepared with the toasted bread that is softened in water and vinegar; then chopped into a large salad bowl to then be dressed with all ingredients, extra virgin olive oil and salt.

Brunella Muttillo