Eggplant Boats
Democrat and Chronicle, Cheap Eats
Lombardo & Bui

Yield: 6 servings as a side dish

3 6-inch baby eggplants
2 Tbsp. olive oil plus 3 tsp. divided
¾ cup minced red onion
¾ cup finely chopped red pepper
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
2 cups diced plum tomatoes
1½ cups chopped mushrooms
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh oregano
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
Salt and pepper

Cut the baby eggplants in half, lengthwise. Scoop out the centers, leaving a 3/8-inch thick shell. Dice the scooped eggplant into 3/8-inch pieces. Blanch the shells in boiling salted water for 2 minutes. Refresh in cold water and drain on a rack. On low heat, in 2 tablespoons olive oil, sauté for 2 minutes the red onion, red pepper and minced garlic. Add the diced eggplant and remaining ingredients and cook for 7 to 10 minutes until thickened. Spoon the mixture into the eggplant boats. Top each with ¼ teaspoon olive oil and the shredded mozzarella. Bake at 350o for 15 minutes.
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