*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

             MELANZANE SOTT'OLIO (LIGHTLY PICKLED EGGPLANT

Recipe By     :
Serving Size  : 1    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Appetizers                       Italian
               Vegetarian

 Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  2       lb           Japanese eggplant
  4       c            Red wine vinegar
  4       c            Water
  1       tb           Coarse salt
 30       ea           Fresh mint leaves
  5       lg           Garlic cloves, thinly sliced
    1/2   ts           Red pepper flakes
  2       c            Olive oil, or as needed

 Peel the eggplants & cut them into 1/4" thick slices.
 Bring the vinegar, water & 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 & set a weighted plate on top of
 the eggplant to keep it submerged.  Cook for about 10
 minutes, until it is soft & 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 & vinegar.
 Arrange a layer of eggplant slices in a glass bowl.
 Sprinkle with some mint, garlic & red pepper flakes.
 Repeat until all the layers are used up & cover with
 olive oil.  Cover & 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 & 1 tb 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 &
 proceed as above.



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