The capuliato or crushed tomato is the pesto of Sicilian sun-dried tomatoes.
The genuine and rustic sun-dried tomato capuliato is a flavorful condiment widely used in Sicilian cuisine.
Dialect curiosities
The term capuliato derives from the Sicilian capuliari, which means to mince.
In the Ragusa area, it is used to indicate sun-dried tomato capuliato.
In the Palermo area, it is used to indicate meat capuliato: ground beef seasoned with salt and pepper, garlic, and parsley, and sometimes cheese; a base for meatballs, meatloaf, stuffing, and other popular recipes.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Cooking methods: No cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- sun-dried tomatoes
Suggested Tools
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Food Processor or Mixer
Preparation
For the preparation of my capuliato, I used homemade sun-dried tomatoes stored in the freezer.
For the detailed step-by-step procedure, you can read the complete recipe by clicking the following link: Sun-dried tomatoes or ‘nciappati | traditional Sicilian recipe.Since they are not stored in oil, there was no need to drain them, and they do not harden in the freezer, so there was no need to revive them.
If you use sun-dried tomatoes preserved in oil, drain them well.
If you use sun-dried tomatoes that need to be revived, soak them in boiling water for about half an hour.Prepare the capuliato by cutting the sun-dried tomatoes or ‘nciappati into pieces with a knife or chopping them with a food processor or mixer to the desired consistency: coarser or finer.
Your capuliato or Sicilian sun-dried tomato pesto is ready.
You can use the simple chopped sun-dried tomatoes or season them with:
– extra virgin olive oil;
– garlic;
– basil or parsley;
– capers;
– oregano;
– chili pepper.– spaghetti with garlic, oil, and chili pepper with capuliato and basil or parsley;
– pane cunzato or seasoned bread Ragusa style with capuliato;
and more:
– seasoning for pasta and rice or couscous;
– seasoning for bruschetta, crostini, and tartines;
– topping for pizza or focaccia raw after baking;
– in omelets;
– in salads;
– in doughs for bread, focaccia, and savory pastries;
– in scaccia ragusana with vegetables.
Storage, tips, and variations
Capuliato can also be preserved in oil or in the freezer.
Frozen capuliato | recommended method
Store dry and unseasoned capuliato in freezer bags.
It does not harden, so you can scoop it out with a spoon.
Additionally, the risks associated with oil preservation are avoided.
It keeps for up to 8-10 months in the freezer.
For me, it’s the best solution!
Frozen capuliato | recommended method
Store dry and unseasoned capuliato in freezer bags.
It does not harden, so you can scoop it out with a spoon.
Additionally, the risks associated with oil preservation are avoided.
It keeps for up to 8-10 months in the freezer.
For me, it’s the best solution!
FAQ
Did you know?
Tomatoes are fruits, not vegetables!
They contain natural sugars such as fructose and glucose.
The content depends on various factors including variety, ripeness, growing conditions, and the availability of nutrients like potassium.Differences between cherry tomatoes and Brix degrees
Different types of cherry tomatoes differ in their sugar/acid ratio – Brix degrees – which determines their sweetness:
– cherry tomatoes: 6-8 Brix degrees;
– datterino tomatoes: 8-10 or more Brix degrees.What are Brix degrees
Brix degrees measure the natural sugar content present in tomatoes: in case of hyperglycemia, it is preferable to choose tomatoes with a lower Brix degree.
If you love sweet cherry tomatoes, add fibers and good fats like extra virgin olive oil or a handful of nuts.Do sun-dried tomatoes raise blood sugar?
Sun-dried tomatoes can affect blood sugar more than fresh tomatoes, but they just need to be used in moderation.
In case of hyperglycemia, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes, it is important to know that sun-dried tomatoes have a higher carbohydrate and sugar content compared to fresh tomatoes.
If preserved in oil, it is important to drain them well.
Packaged sun-dried tomatoes may contain added sugars, read the label carefully or ask the producer.How to revive sun-dried tomatoes?
Just soak them in boiling water for about half an hour.
