[CH] Spicy Eggplant Stew
AB Garbot (mango@uss.net)
Mon, 22 Mar 1999 23:48:43 -0600
Made this the other night - it was delicious (and gets better as a leftover):
(from Chicago Tribune, July 98)
James Buckle's eggplant stew
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1/2 c. vegetable oil
1 medium onion, peeled and sliced
1 or 2 habanero peppers (or more/less to taste!)
1 c. tomato sauce
1/4 c. tomato paste
1 tomato, sliced
2 cooked chicken breasts (OPTIONAL)
1 c. broth of choice
1 large eggplant, peeled and cut in chunks
1/2 lb. okra, sliced into 1-inch pieces
1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced into broad strips
1. Heat oil in a high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until soft, without browning, 4 to 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a blender or food processor, combine 1 or 2 habaneros and 1/2 cup tomato sauce and blend until smooth.
2. Pour the puree into the skillet along with remaining tomato sauce and tomato paste. Cook at a brisk simmer for 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the sliced tomato and chicken (if using) and cook 5 minutes; add 1 cup of broth and simmer 10 minutes more.
4. Add the eggplant and additional broth or water just to the top of the vegetables. Partially cover the pan and cook 10 minutes.
5. Add the okra and bell pepper slices, cover the pan and cook 8-10 minutes, or until okra is just tender and the pepper slices are soft.
Serve in bowls as is or over rice.
Suggestions for variation: use smoked fish or shrimp instead of chicken or add spinach.
Buon appetito!
-Angie