Sicilian vegetable stew
Soups

Sicilian Vegetable Stew

Fork and knife icon

Main courses

Black star icon

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Portion pie chart

Numbers of Portions: 8

OPTIFAST clock icon

Preparation time: 20 min

Ingredients

1kg

aubergine, washed and diced

250g

white onions, peeled and thinly sliced

1 tbsp

olive oil

500g

ripe tomatoes, seeded and sliced into strips

2 tbsp

capers, drained

3

celery stalks, washed and chopped

150g

black olive

1/3

cup vinegar

1 tsp

sweetener

This simple but delicious stew is packed with tasty vegetables, helping to keep it low-calorie yet hearty. You can make this recipe with any vegetables you’ve got left over in the drawer of your fridge, but bear in mind that adjusting recipes can alter the total calorie count.

Method:

  • • Wash and slice the aubergines, and place in a large strainer. Sprinkle with salt and leave to one side to drain for at least an hour.
  • • Meanwhile, plan a wide, shallow pan on a medium-high heat. Drizzle in half of the olive oil and fry the onions until golden.
  • • Add the tomatoes, celery, olives and capers. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring throughout. Remove from the heat.
  • • Rinse the aubergine and dry using paper towels.
  • • Heat the remaining oil in a saucepan over a high heat. When the oil is hot, add the aubergine pieces and fry until well-browned.
  • • Drain the aubergine and stir it into the tomato mixture. Drizzle over the vinegar and sweetener, and return the pan to a low heat.
  • • Cook until the vinegar has completely evaporated.
  • • Remove from the heat and serve either hot or cold.