Aunt Harriets Eggplant Relish Recipes

MEDITERRANEAN EGGPLANT RELISH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450°F with racks in middle and upper third.
• Halve eggplant lengthwise and roast, cut sides down, in a 4-sided sheet pan in middle of oven until tender, about 25 minutes. Cool.
• Turn on broiler.
• Halve peppers lengthwise, then stem and seed. Coat outsides of peppers with olive oil, then broil, cut sides down, in 4-sided sheet pan 3 to 4 inches from heat until well charred, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let stand, covered, 15 minutes. Peel peppers and coarsely chop.
• Scrape flesh of eggplant into a bowl, discarding skin. Stir in peppers, remaining ingredients (including 2 tablespoons oil), and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.

EGGPLANT RELISH

Steps:

• Serving suggestion: Place the relish on toasted bread spread with sheep's milk ricotta cheese, and top with torn basil and parsley leave, then drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.
• To make the relish: Place the eggplant in a strainer set over a large bowl. Sprinkle the eggplant with salt and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes to leech out the bitterness. Rinse quickly and pat dry.
• Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the oil, shallots, garlic, pinch of salt, and eggplant and cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Add the pine nuts, raisins, red wine vinegar, and sugar. Stir to combine.

EGGPLANT CAPONATA (SICILIAN VERSION)

Steps:

• Toss eggplant with salt and place in a colander set over a bowl. Let sit, about 30 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.
• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add celery; cook, stirring often, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until onion is soft and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer mixture to a bowl using a slotted spoon.
• Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in the skillet. Add eggplant and cook, stirring constantly, until lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in celery mixture, tomatoes, olives, capers, tomato paste, and oregano. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered until caponata is thickened, about 15 minutes.
• Season caponata with vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with parsley.