Stewed Eel (Capitone)

Name: Stewed Eel (Capitone)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Eel 1.8 lbs; San Marzano tomatoes 5 ½ cups; Basil 1 sprig; Onions 2; Parsley to taste; Extra virgin olive oil ½ glass; White wine 1 glass

461

Calories per serving

Gluten Free
Lactose Free

Energy Kcal 461
Carbohydrates g 11.3
of which sugars g 11.3
Protein g 22.2
Fats g 33.8
of which saturated fat g 8.15
Fiber g 2.5
Cholesterol mg 117
Sodium mg 135

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Serving: 4

PRESENTATION

Family dinners just get better with American stewed eel recipe on the menu – rich, tender, and full of classic comfort that works for so many occasions. Beautiful pieces of braised eel swimming in a savory, tomato-rich sauce set the stage, while the mild, soft texture makes every bite enjoyable for kids and adults alike. Since those traditional eel stew flavors balance out heat and tanginess, it's easy for home cooks to serve something hearty without overwhelming picky eaters. The dish looks nice on the dinner table with its vibrant color...plus, the aroma makes everyone hungry before it even gets plated. When conversations center around what real comfort food looks and tastes like—especially where families want dependable favorites—eel with tomatoes delivers both nostalgia and DEEP flavor.

Working parents appreciate how a simple eel preparation like this fits everything from packed weeknights to casual Sunday gatherings. Its approachable taste and attractive look are great for potlucks or as a weekend treat (everyone gets excited when you serve something new but friendly). Since eel with garlic and herbs brings an extra punch, this stew suits those who want a bit of adventure while staying in familiar, good territory. Big fans of sautéed eel recipes often mention the mellow flavor and moist finish—honestly, this one is basically a crowd-pleaser at any event. For a fun twist, pile servings next to mashed potatoes, rice, or even just slices of crusty bread...always gets second helpings. Whether it's a family birthday or just a regular Tuesday night, you’ll find that everyone asks for this again. It’s absolutely DELICIOUS, and most home cooks agree it’s a classic family favorite for both its taste and the easy success it brings.

INGREDIENTS: Eel 1.8 lbs (800 g); San Marzano tomatoes 5 ½ cups (1 kg); Basil 1 sprig; Onions 2; Parsley to taste; Extra virgin olive oil ½ glass; White wine 1 glass

Preparation

How to prepare Stewed Eel (Capitone)

First, clean the eel thoroughly by cutting off its head and tail end and removing the entrails.
Cut the capitone into pieces about 2 inches long, without removing the skin, and chop the cherry tomatoes.
Cook the tomatoes in a pan with just a little oil, a sprig of basil, and a pinch of salt for about 40 minutes, then pass them through a sieve and set the sauce aside.
At this point, heat some oil in a skillet and add the finely chopped onions and a handful of parsley, also chopped.
Now add the eel pieces and let them brown for about 5 minutes after seasoning them with salt and pepper.
Pour the white wine over the capitone, and once it has evaporated, add the previously prepared tomato sauce and cook for 15 minutes over moderate heat, stirring occasionally.
Once ready, place your stewed eel on a serving platter and serve it hot.

Curiosity

What is capitone?
Perhaps few know that this is how the large female eel is called in the southern regions, having reached the peak of its development and thus much larger than the male.

Tip

It is essential to remember that the eel must be purchased alive and killed only a few hours before cooking: unless you are in "killer mode: on," you can arrange a last-minute pick-up and let your fishmonger do it. :) But let's move on to the presentation of the dish. First of all, the serving platter: a winning idea could be to lay the eel (and its wonderful sauce) on a few slices of toasted rustic bread, unforgettable! Then, the wine: undoubtedly white, full-bodied, and dry.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.

Stewed Eel (Capitone)

PRESENTATION

How to prepare Stewed Eel (Capitone)

Curiosity

Tip

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