Easy recipe for mock capers
Capers are a store-cupboard staple of the gourmet chef but they’re costly – make your own poor man’s capers using nasturtium seeds instead.
In fact, the seeds do such a good job that many people prefer them or think nasturtium seeds are capers. The real thing is the tiny flower buds of Capparis spinosa, the caper bush. Also called the Flinders rose, it’s a Mediterranean shrub that grows to 1m. They’re so expensive because they have to be picked carefully by hand.
Cooks love them because of their sour and salty flavour, which can add a kick to many bland dishes. Think of them like a vegetarian anchovy!
This recipe is incredibly easy and has the added bonus of encouraging your nasturtiums to produce more flowers. The seeds are pickled with herbs or spices of your choice. Use them in sauces, salads, with chicken and to liven up pasta, vegetable and fish recipes.
Most of my seeds came from my two trial varieties this year, Purple Emperor from Suttons and colour-changing Ice-Cream Sundae from Dobies. Read more about them here.
Ingredients for poor man’s capers
NOTE: the recipe is calculated by volume, not weight. As long as the seeds are covered by vinegar, you’ll be fine.
- 250ml green, firm nasturtium seeds (picked from the plant – NOT black dried ones from a seed packet)
- 250ml of white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sea or Himalayan salt
- Several crushed peppercorns, or black pepper to taste
- Fresh bay leaf, bruised
- You can also add dried or fresh thyme or cloves (I chose both).
Method
Firstly, pick green, unblemished seeds from the plants. Rinse and drain the nasturtium seeds, removing any stems and splitting the pods into single seeds. Spread them out to dry on a clean tea towel.
Place the seeds into a 500ml Kilner-style jar (with a rubber seal).
In a small pan, bring the vinegar, salt, peppercorns/pepper, thyme, bay leaf and cloves to a boil. Carefully pour the whole panful over the seeds, avoiding the rubber seal.
Seal the jar and let it cool. Put it in the fridge to mature for three months before using it.
