Caper substitute

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Years ago I remember a friend telling me that nasturtium pods made a good substitute for capers. But at the time I didn’t really use capers anyway so I didn’t try any. These days though I have quite a few nasturtiums growing in my veg patch, partly to try to tempt the aphids and caterpillars away from the beans and cabbages, partly because the leaves and flowers are both edible and add a peppery tang to a salad, and partly just because they brighten the place up so prettily. And I have also found myself using capers more often in cooking. So last year when I noticed lots of seed pods falling off the plants I remembered my friend and decided to give them a try. I found the method I had written down years ago – fill a jar with vinegar and to each 1 pint (568 mL) vinegar, add 1 ounce (about 30 g) salt, and six peppercorns. Add the dry pods as they become available. Since filling the jar last summer they have been sitting in the ‘fridge. I used some recently in a fish pie recipe and no-one could tell anything was different to usual, they taste just like capers – but obviously they are free (since I have the plants anyway). I am a total convert – never need to buy capers again! Have you tried these? All rights reserved. © Text and image copyright Fleur 2022.