Eastern European Eggplant Stew 2

Ingredients

• 2eggplants
• 2tomatoes
• 1onion
• 80 mlolive oil
• 3 clovesgarlic
• to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

1. Start by washing the 2 eggplants and 2 tomatoes thoroughly under cold water. Cut the eggplants into medium-sized cubes, about 2 cm each, ensuring uniformity for even cooking. Dice the tomatoes into small pieces, removing any excess seeds to prevent the stew from becoming too watery. Peel and finely chop the onion and 3 cloves of garlic, keeping them separate as they will be added at different stages.
2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet, heat 80 ml of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion. Cook the onion gently, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and soft, releasing its sweet aroma. This should take a few minutes, and it’s important to avoid browning the onion as it can turn bitter.
3. Add the chopped garlic to the softened onion, stirring continuously for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Then, incorporate the cubed eggplant into the pot. Stir well to coat the eggplant in the oil and onion mixture, allowing it to absorb the flavors. Cook until the eggplant begins to soften and takes on a slightly golden hue, indicating it has started to break down.
4. Add the diced tomatoes to the pot, stirring to combine them with the eggplant and onion mixture. The tomatoes will release their juices, creating a sauce that will help cook the eggplant further. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is tender and the tomatoes have broken down completely, forming a thick, cohesive stew. The eggplant should be soft but not mushy, with a texture that holds its shape.
5. Season the stew with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste, stirring well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary, keeping in mind that the flavors will continue to develop as it cools slightly. Serve the stew warm, ideally with crusty bread or as a side dish, inviting everyone to share in this comforting, home-cooked meal.