Brasileiro Vegetable Bake 2

Ingredients

• 1eggplant
• 2zucchini
• 2tomatoes
• 80 mlolive oil
• herbs — chopped
• to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

1. Start by preparing the vegetables. Slice 1 eggplant, 2 zucchini, and 2 tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Lay the slices on a large cutting board or tray and sprinkle them generously with fine sea salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, which will help in achieving a better texture during cooking.
2. While the vegetables are resting, prepare the herbs. Finely chop a mix of your favorite fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, or oregano, until you have about 2 tablespoons. This will add a fresh, aromatic flavor to the dish.
3. After the vegetables have rested, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove the moisture and excess salt. In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 80 ml of olive oil over medium heat. Add the eggplant slices first, cooking them in batches if necessary, until they are golden brown on both sides and slightly tender. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil if needed, and then add the zucchini slices. Cook them until they are lightly browned and tender, similar to the eggplant. Remove the zucchini from the pan and set aside with the eggplant.
5. Next, add the tomato slices to the pan. Cook them until they soften and release some of their juices, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. The tomatoes should be soft but still hold their shape.
6. Once all the vegetables are cooked, layer them back into the pan, starting with the eggplant, followed by the zucchini, and finally the tomatoes. Sprinkle the chopped herbs over the top and season with black pepper to taste.
7. Cover the pan with a lid and let the vegetables cook together for another 5 minutes on low heat. This will allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender without losing their shape. Taste a piece of each vegetable and adjust the salt if necessary.
8. Serve the Brasileiro Vegetable Bake 2 directly from the pan, allowing everyone to help themselves. The vegetables should be tender and flavorful, with a slight herbaceous aroma from the fresh herbs. Enjoy this dish as a centerpiece on your table, perfect for sharing with family and friends.