Capers
The brined or salt-packed flower buds of the caper bush. Intensely briny and slightly pungent with a flavor somewhere between olive and pickle. Used in small quantities as a flavor accent.
Used for
- smoked salmon
- chicken piccata
- pasta puttanesca
- tartar sauce
- salads
In the kitchen
- Rinse.
- Drain.
- Fry.
- Chop.
Picking it at the store
- Rinse brined capers briefly before using to reduce their intensity; salt-packed capers need a thorough rinse and soak.
- Nonpareil (tiny) capers are the most prized for delicate dishes; larger capers are fine chopped into sauces.
Related terms
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