Sarasotas Crockpot Eggplant Mediterranean Recipes

EASY GREEK-STYLE EGGPLANT RECIPE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Place eggplant cubes in a colander over a large bowl or directly over your sink, and sprinkle with salt. Set aside for 20 minutes or so to allow eggplant to "sweat out" any bitterness. Rinse with water and pat dry.
• In a large braiser, heat 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil over medium-high until shimmering but not smoking. Add onions, peppers, and chopped carrot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring regularly, then add garlic, bay leaf, spices, and a dash of salt. Cook another minute, stirring until fragrant.
• Now add eggplant, chopped tomato, chickpeas, and reserved chickpea liquid. Stir to combine.
• Bring to a rolling boil for 10 minutes or so. Stir often. Remove from stove top, cover and transfer to oven.
• Cook in oven for 45 minutes until eggplant is fully cooked through to very tender. (While eggplant is braising, be sure to check once or twice to see if more liquid is needed. If so, remove from oven briefly and stir in about 1/2 cup of water at a time.)
• When eggplant is ready, remove from oven and add a generous drizzle of Private Reserve EVOO, garnish with fresh herbs (parsley or mint). Serve hot or at room temperature with a side of Greek yogurt or even Tzatziki sauce and pita bread.

SARASOTA'S CROCKPOT EGGPLANT MEDITERRANEAN

Steps:

• Crockpot -- Add the eggplant, onion, celery, olive oil, tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, oregano, salt and pepper in the slow cooker and mix well. Top with the olives and squash but don't stir.Cover and cook on low for approximately 4 hours.
• Finish -- After 3 1/2 - 4 1/2 hours, when the eggplant is tender, stir to incorporate the squash and the olives into the mix. To finish, mix the sugar with the vinegar and add to the crockpot along with the capers and basil. Stir well and test for any additional seasoning, salt and pepper. Pepper is the only thing I find I need to add. Cook another 10-15 minutes, just to blend all the flavors. Perfect time to make your couscous, or maybe some grilled bread or rice. Any side dish you want.
• Serve -- As I mentioned, I prefer to serve this over couscous and garnish with feta cheese. ENJOY!