Transform your cooking with this quick and easy recipe for a homemade 'Capers Substitution,' perfect for when capers aren't on hand. This flavorful alternative combines chopped green olives with a tangy homemade brine of white vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and optional aromatics like black peppercorns and lemon zest. Ready in just 15 minutes of active prep and cooking, this pantry-friendly substitute boasts a bright, briny flavor that's remarkably close to traditional capers. Simply let the mixture rest overnight in the fridge for optimal taste, then use it to enhance pasta dishes, salads, dressings, or any recipe that calls for capers. Versatile, economical, and bursting with flavor, this clever substitution is a must-have for every creative home chef!
Rinse the green olives thoroughly under cold running water to remove any excess brine.
On a cutting board, use a sharp knife to chop the green olives into small, caper-sized pieces.
In a small saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and optional black peppercorns and lemon zest.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar and salt dissolve.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the brine cool for 5 minutes.
Place the chopped green olives into a clean glass jar or airtight container.
Pour the warm brine over the chopped olives, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Seal the jar or container tightly and let it cool to room temperature.
Refrigerate the olive mixture for at least 12 hours to allow the flavors to develop. For best results, wait 24 hours.
Use the prepared olive substitute in any recipe that calls for capers, measuring out equal amounts.
Calories |
440 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.0 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.6 g | 38% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 5133 mg | 223% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12.5 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.7 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.7 g | ||
| Protein | 3.4 g | 7% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 280 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 229 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.