Melanzane Sott'olio (Lightly Pickled Eggplant)

Recipe Ingredients

2 lbs	908g / 32oz	Japanese eggplant
4 cups	948ml	Red wine vinegar
4 cups	948ml	Water
1 tablespoon	15ml	Coarse salt
30		Fresh mint leaves
5		Garlic cloves - thinly sliced (large)
1/2 teaspoon	2.5ml	Red pepper flakes
2 cups	474ml	Olive oil - or as needed

Recipe Instructions

Peel the eggplants and cut them into 1/4" thick slices. Bring the vinegar, water and salt to a boil in a heavy saucepan. In the boiling liquid, immerse as many of the eggplant slices as possible in one layer.

Lower the heat to a simmer and set a weighted plate on top of the eggplant to keep it submerged. Cook for about 10 minutes, until it is soft and easily pierced.

Remove with a slotted spoon. Repeat with the remaining slices of eggplant. If the liquid becomes too concentrated, add 1 c more of both water and vinegar.

Arrange a layer of eggplant slices in a glass bowl. Sprinkle with some mint, garlic and red pepper flakes. Repeat until all the layers are used up and cover with olive oil. Cover and allow to marinate at room temperature for 2 days. Serve as part of an antipasto or with any salad.

VARIATION: Melanzane Sott'Olio II: A stronger version. Cut the peeled eggplant into 1 1/2" thick slices. Bring 4 c red wine vinegar, 2 c water and 1 tbs coarse sea salt to a boil. Cook submerged eggplant for 5 minutes; it should be just piercable by a knife but not soft. Drain well and proceed as above.

Source:
Mario Batali

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