Authentic Sicilian Eggplant Caponata - Female Foodie

Ingredients

• 2 cups neutral oil, such as canola or peanut oil
• 1 medium or large eggplant, cut into large chunks
• 2 celery ribs, cut into large chunks
• 1 small red onion, cut into large chunks
• ½-¾ cup water
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, mashed
• 2 Tablespoons capers, strained
• 3 Tablespoons pine nuts
• 3 Tablespoons raisins
• ¼ cup green castelvetrano olives, pitted & thinly sliced
• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
• basil for garnish
• kosher salt