West African 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 and 2 zucchini into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. Dice 2 tomatoes into small cubes. Place the sliced eggplant in a colander and sprinkle generously with fine sea salt. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to draw out any bitterness.
2. Rinse the eggplant slices under cold water to remove the excess salt, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes. Drizzle with 80 ml olive oil, and season with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste. Toss everything together until the vegetables are well-coated.
3. Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add a bit more olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is shimmering, add a chopped onion and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes, and the onion should not brown.
4. Add the seasoned vegetables to the skillet with the onions. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the vegetables are evenly distributed. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the vegetables to cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and the flavors meld together. The eggplant should be soft and the zucchini slightly translucent.
5. Once the vegetables have reached the desired tenderness, remove the lid and increase the heat slightly to evaporate any excess liquid. Stir in your choice of herbs, such as thyme or parsley, to add freshness and aroma. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and the vegetables are well-coated with the juices.
6. Taste the vegetable bake and adjust the seasoning with more fine sea salt and black pepper if necessary. The dish should be well-balanced with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes and a savory depth from the eggplant. Serve the West African Vegetable Bake 2 warm, ideally with a side of crusty bread or rice for a complete meal.