Eggplant with Tomato & Garlic Sauce

Serves four.

To learn more, read:
How to Cook Eggplant to Tender, Silky Perfection
by Ayla Algar
from Fine Cooking
Issue 34
Last Edit Date: 1/23/2013 2:01:17 PM

You can't go wrong with this Turkish classic—even with canned tomatoes, it tastes great, served at room temperature or chilled. The flavor improves after a day or two, so make it ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. It's a delicious side dish or starter.

more about:

1 medium globe eggplant (about 1-1/4 lb.)
Salt
Olive oil for frying
1-1/2 lb. sweet, ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped (to yield 3 cups)
1 heaping tsp. minced garlic
2-1/2 tsp. red-wine vinegar; more as needed

Fry the eggplant: Partially peel the eggplant lengthwise, leaving 1/2-inch stripes of skin. Remove the stem. For large eggplant, quarter it lengthwise first. Slice the eggplant just thicker than 1/4 inch. Sprinkle generously with salt and let stand in a colander for about 1 hour. Rinse the eggplant thoroughly and firmly squeeze each slice dry, patting with paper towels. In a large skillet over high heat, warm about 1/2 cup olive oil until very hot. Fry the eggplant slices a single layer at a time until rich brown on both sides, 1 to 2 minutes. per side; use more oil if needed. Drain on paper towels.

Make the sauce: Discard the oil from the pan and wipe it clean. Warm 1 Tbs. olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomatoes and sprinkle with a little salt; simmer, mashing the tomatoes with a fork, until they form a sauce and are no longer liquidy, about 15 minutes. Stir in the garlic and vinegar; remove from the heat.

Fan the eggplant slices on a platter and coat with the tomato sauce. Let cool and then refrigerate for at least a day. Serve cold or at room temperature.

nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 220; Fat (g): 18; Fat Calories (kcal): 160; Saturated Fat (g): 2; Protein (g): 3; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 13; Carbohydrates (g): 15; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 2; Sodium (mg): 160; Cholesterol (mg): 0; Fiber (g): 5;

Photo: Scott Phillips

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by mjeckman, 9/14/2012I've made this twice in 2 weeks -- because the kids begged for it again! -- with assorted varieties of eggplant and tomatoes from the farm. Both times served it hot the night I made it. The second time I more than doubled the tomato sauce and plated pasta, then the eggplant, then the sauce.

by atriola702, 12/8/2009I am a lover of eggplant, but this is one of the best side dishes I've ever had. I did substitute fresh tomatoes with Muir Glen organic diced tomatoes (no salt added during cooking time) and came out with a fabulous result.