Eggplant Caponata
This traditional Tuscan relish is lovely on toasted multigrain bread.
Ingredients:
1 sweet onion or 2 Tropea onions, peeled and minced
1 eggplant, chopped into ½-inch chunks
1 sweet Italian pepper, seeded and chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, or 1 summer tomato, seeded and chopped
2 celery stalks, thinly-sliced
¼ cup olive oil
3 tablespoons golden raisins
2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon capers
Sea salt and pepper
Fresh basil leaves, torn
Method:
1. Add chopped onion to a skillet with the olive oil, and sauté for about 3 minutes. Add chopped celery stalk, peppers and eggplant and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes until vegetables are tender.
2. Add golden raisins, chopped oregano and about ½ cup water. Bring mixture to a simmer, and allow water to evaporate, cooking about 8-10 minutes
3. Add cherry tomatoes and cider vinegar and capers; cook for about 5 minutes, until mixture is uniform and tomatoes are beginning to burst. Season with salt and pepper and top with torn basil.
Grilled Eggplant with Lemon & Mint
Tossed with fresh mint for added brightness, this barbecued eggplant boasts a wonderfully-rich and smoky flavor.
Ingredients:
2 medium eggplants
Olive oil, for basting
For dressing:
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
Juice and zest from 1 lemon
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1-2 teaspoons sugar
4 tablespoons very coarsely chopped mint
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. Prepare the dressing: Whisk olive oil, lemon zest and juice and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl. Add in sugar, salt and pepper and check for taste (it should be fairly sweet). Add in half of the chopped mint and set aside.
2. Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat. Cut each eggplant lengthwise into about 8 thin slices about ¼-inch thick, then brush each liberally with olive oil. Lay on the grill, cooking each side about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and slightly charred.
3. Arrange the slices on a large platter and spoon dressing over top. Cover and set aside to allow eggplant to soak up the dressing. Sprinkle with the remaining mint and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tian Provencal
If you are looking for a new vegetarian centerpiece, this baked dish is both gorgeous and delicious.
Ingredients:
1 long eggplant
1 zucchini
1 yellow summer squash
2 tomatoes
1½ cup crushed tomatoes
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon olive oil
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Fresh basil leaves
Method:
1. In a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté 3 minutes until the onion becomes transparent. Add oregano and dried thyme and mix. Finally, pour in the crushed tomatoes, chopped basil, salt and pepper. Mix and let it cook on low heat for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat.
2. Preheat the oven to 350º. During this time, cut the eggplant, zucchini, yellow summer squash and tomatoes to make thin slices.
3. Pour the tomato sauce into a pie dish and place all the slices of vegetables one after the other in the dish. Add a drizzle of olive oil on top, salt and pepper. Place in the oven for 40 minutes. Take out of the oven and garnish with a few basil leaves on top.
Packed with Produce Recipes
From peppers to tomatoes and fennel to eggplant, this week’s box is full of fresh fall provisions! Also including such favorites as green beans, purple sprouting broccoli and meaty Porcini mushrooms, this autumnal splendor is rounded out by Gruyère cheese bread, rustic Sardinian pasta, farm-fresh eggs, and all the ingredients for a simply-rustic Meyer lemon curd tart, plus fragrant herbs and garden greens, beautiful Angelino plums and bubbly Prosecco. Enjoy!
Here are a few recipe ideas for the week:
Fregola Sarda Salad
A light and bright salad accented by capers, garlic and hazelnuts.
Mushroom Scramble
Serve this earthy scramble with a salad of spring greens to complete the meal.
Pickled Peppers
These addictive peppers are wonderful for snacking, or served with burgers, tacos and sandwiches.
Eggplant Caponata
This traditional Tuscan relish is lovely on toasted Gruyère cheese bread.
Stewed Green Beans with Tomatoes
Braising the beans lends them a beautiful texture!
