Vegetables Agro Dolce (Recipe)

This Italian sweet and sour medley makes a great appetizer or salad on a colorful lettuce leaf.

Ingredients

1 large eggplant (1 1/2 pounds), peeled and chopped

Salt

1 onion, thinly sliced into rounds, rings separated

1 medium red bell pepper, chopped

1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped

1 medium green bell pepper, chopped

2 large celery ribs, chopped

2 medium zucchini, chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed through a press

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 

2 tablespoons raisins

2 tablespoons drained capers

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon garlic pepper

2 pinches of sugar

2 to 3 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted if desired

Steps

1.  Spread the chopped eggplant out on a double thickness of paper towels.  Sprinkle generously with salt.  Let stand 1 hour.

2.  Rinse the eggplant under cold water to remove the salt, drain well, and with your hands squeeze the eggplant to remove as much moisture as possible.

3.  Meanwhile, in a 4 to 5 quart electric slow cooker, mix together the onion, bell peppers, celery, zucchini, garlic, and wine vinegar.  Add the eggplant and stir to mix.  Cover and cook on the low heat setting about 4 1/2 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.  Drain the vegetables into a colander and return to the slow cooker.

4.  Add the balsamic vinegar, raisins, capers, olive oil, garlic pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and sugar.  Increase the heat setting to high and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes.  Stir in the pine nuts.  Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.