Caponata (Cold Eggplant (Aubergine) Appetizer)

Ingredients

• 1 lb eggplant, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 2 teaspoons coarse salt or kosher salt
• 1 large red bell pepper or green bell pepper, seeded, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 large yellow pepper, seeded, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1/2 cup coursely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup coursely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 (1 lb) can Italian plum tomato, drained and seeded
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons pignolis or pine nuts, i throw in a few extra
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 medium zucchini, cut into 1/4 inch slices
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 6 large green olives, pitted and sliced
• 1 fresh bay leaf or dried bay leaf
• 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 cup white raisins
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms

Directions

1. 1

   Place eggplant cubes in a colander and sprinkle with salt, cover with a plate and drain for 30 minutes.

2. 2

   Saute peppers, onion and celery in 2 T of oil in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until onions are soft, 8 to 12 minutes, Remove from skillet and set aside, add remaining oil to skillet.

3. 3

   Squeeze excess liquid from eggplant, saute in skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until light brown, 14 to 18 minutes, return peppers, onions and celery mixture to skillet and stir in all ingredients.

4. 4

   Cook for about 25 minutes, Remove from stove and let stand for about 15 minutes and then refrigerate.