What Are Capers Anyway?

When I really started cooking in earnest, I found I had a number of recipes that called for capers. I know that I’d had them before, but it wasn’t really until I started cooking that I saw them with any kind of frequency.

Several months ago I was discussing a recipe with a co-worker and mentioned that capers were in the dish. She asked, “What are capers anyway?”

I was at a loss for words. What are those things? Animal? I don’t think so. Plant. Yeah, but what plant and what part? Luckily I wasn’t the only one wondering.

The Huffington Post, had a post in May of 2014 that gets to the bottom of it. Take a look here. (They are pickled flower buds by the way).

Chicken, Sausage and Capers

The saltiness of the capers really adds to this dish.

All ready to start cooking.

The chicken is diced and in the pan.

Look at the beautiful color.

Veggies are added and so is the sausage.

Tomatoes bringing it all together.

Awesome dish!

Chicken, Sausage and Capers

Cook Time: 17 mins

Ingredients:

2 tsp olive oil
3/4  lb skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut in 1 inch pieces
1/4  lb hot Italian turkey sausage, cut into ½ inch slices
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 green bell peppers, seeded and cut into strips
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
2½ cups canned crushed tomatoes
1/2  cup low sodium chicken broth
2 tbsp nonpariel capers, rinsed and drained
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat the oil. Saute the chicken until golden and cooked through, 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl with a slotted spoon.

In the skillet, cook the sausage, stirring frequently, until cooked through and browned, 8-10 minutes. Pour in the vinegar; cook until the liquid evaporates, 1-2 minutes. Add the bell peppers, onion, garlic and oregano; cook, stirring, until the peppers are tender, 4-5 minutes.

Stir in the tomatoes, broth and capers; bring to a boil. Return the chicken to the skillet and sprinkle in the cheese. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.

Source: http://www.tastebook.com/recipes/1793747-Chicken-Sausage-and-Capers