This unusual eggplant dish can stand on its own as an entrée, but is delicious when turned into a gratin topped with shredded mozzarella or crumbled goat cheese. It also makes a wonderful filling for vegetarian lasagne or toss with cooked fusilli or penne pasta.
Serves 6
3 to 4 tablespoons virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, any color, cut in thin strips
1 jalapeno or cayenne chili pepper or ½ teaspoon cayenne
1 bay leaf
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano or 1 ½ tsp dried
1 tablespoon paprika
1 ½ lbs eggplant, cubed, about 8 cups
3 cups chopped plum tomatoes with juices, fresh or 28 oz canned
2/3 cup red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
¼ cup packed brown sugar or honey
1 strip fresh lemon zest, white pith removed
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish.
- Heat the olive oil in a large stew pot over medium-low heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, jalapeno and bay leaf and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the oregano and paprika and cook for 1 minute.
- Increase the heat slightly. Add the eggplant and stir. Add tomatoes, vinegar, brown sugar and lemon zest. Cover partially and simmer at until the eggplant is tender about 45 to 60 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Serve with any of the following:
starch: Great Potato Pancakes, or Basic Polenta, or bread, such as Round Country Loaf or Anna’s Crusty French Loaf
salad: A Good & Simple Salad or Mescalun Salad