Caponata – Sweet and Sour Eggplant

• large baking sheet
• colander
• large nonstick frying pan
• wooden spoon
• paper towels

• 2 T olive oil
• large eggplant (about 1¼ pounds), cut into ½-in cubes
• salt
• med onion, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 2 med tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
• ¼ c water
• 2 T red wine vinegar
• 1 T tomato paste
• 1 T sugar
• ¼ c green olives, pitted and chopped
• ¼ c black olives, pitted and chopped
• 1 T capers
• black pepper
• 1-2 T fresh basil, chopped or julienned

Place eggplant cubes in colander, sprinkle with salt, and set aside to drain for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat 1 T oil in frying pan over med heat. Add onion and celery and sauté, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes, until softened. Add tomatoes, reduce heat, and cook, stirring occasionally, about 25 minutes, until reduced to sauce.

Rinse eggplant under cold water, dry with paper towels, arrange on baking sheet, brush with ½ T oil, and bake for 10 minutes. Turn over the cubes and bake another 10 minutes.

Add water, vinegar, tomato paste, and sugar to sauce, then stir in eggplant, olives, capers, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until flavors are blended, about 5-10 minutes.

Garnish with basil and serve.

Adapted from The Mediterranean Vegan Kitchen, by Donna Klein

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