Imom Bayeldi - The Sultan's Delight

submitted by Sister Warda Carlsen

Ingredients

2 medium round eggplant
¼ chopped Armenian or Italian parsley [Flat leaf variety]
2 red onions sliced in rounds
2 red, green or gold bell pepper sliced in rounds
1 large tomato sliced in rounds
2 cloves garlic [crushed]
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves
1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil leaves
1 can tomato sauce
½ cup extra virgin olive oil

Directions

1. Slice the eggplant into ½ inch rounds [do not peel]. Salt the eggplant slices and set aside for about 20-30 minutes and let them sweat. Squeeze the rounds gently to eliminate the brownish liquid, flatten back into shape, and pat dry. Dip rounds quickly into olive oil to coat letting excess run off. Place on a baking pan and bake in a preheated 450 degree oven until lightly browned.

2. In a sauté pan, carefully and lightly, sauté the onions, peppers and garlic in olive oil. Add the tomatoes, basil, mint and parsley and sauté for a few minutes more.

3. Place the browned eggplant in a baking pan and arrange the sautéed vegetables on the eggplant rounds and pour tomato sauce sparingly over the top. Place in a 375 degree oven for and additional 1/2 hour. Remove, cool and chill. Served cold.