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Tomato Olive Caper Compote

This vibrant tomato, olive and caper compote is a versatile vegan staple that brings a burst of Mediterranean flavour to any meal. By slowly simmering fresh tomatoes with salty olives and tangy capers, you create a rich, savoury relish that balances acidity with deep umami notes. It is a wonderful way to use up seasonal summer tomatoes, providing a fresh alternative to heavy shop-bought sauces.

Quick to prepare and naturally healthy, this chunky sauce is an excellent addition to a balanced diet. Serve it warm as a sophisticated topping for grilled seabass or chicken breasts, or simply toss it through al dente pasta for a speedy midweek supper. It also works beautifully chilled, served alongside crusty sourdough as part of a plant-based sharing platter.

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Ingredients for Tomato Olive Caper Compote

  • 1 teaspoon oil

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 4 medium tomatoes, roughly chopped

  • 60ml black olives, quartered

  • 1 tablespoon capers

  • 1/2 teaspoons salt

How to make Tomato Olive Caper Compote

  1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté for 5 minutes, until soft. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute more.

  2. Add the tomatoes, olives, capers, and salt and cook over medium-high heat for 10–15 minutes, until most of the liquid has evaporated.

  3. Serve over grilled chicken, fish, pasta or rice.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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