Ingredients

• 1 eggplant sliced in ½" rounds

• kosher salt

• 1 large green bell pepper, sliced in 1"- wide strips

• 4-5 roma tomatoes, sliced in ½"rounds

• 3 garlic cloves roughly chopped

• 2 tablespoon white vinegar

• ½ cup olive oil

• ½ cup basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

• Spread eggplant slices on paper towels and sprinkle generously with kosher salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to sweat out any bitterness. Pat dry when ready.

• Heat the oil on medium-high heat (be sure the oil is shimmering but not smoking). Start by frying green peppers, skin side down, until tender and skin turns brown. Remove from heat and place on paper towels to drain. Sprinkle with a little salt.

• In the same frying pan, now fry the eggplant. Do this very carefully (use tongs to keep your distance and a splatter screen to cover the pan or skillet). Oil should still be hot or else eggplant will absorb way too much of it. When edges of one side turn golden brown, flip over. When eggplant turns golden brown on both sides, remove from heat and place on paper towels to drain.

• If needed, add a little bit of oil to your frying pan. Now, fry the tomatoes for two minutes then add the garlic. Cook another 4 to 5 minutes, tossing gently. Turn the heat down and add 2 tablespoon of vinegar and sal. When the tomatoes are tender, releasing juices and turning bright orange in color, turn the heat off.

• Assemble the fried eggplant dish. Grab a large serving platter, layer a bit of the eggplant at the bottom, then add green peppers, then the saucy tomatoes on top. Repeat as needed till you have all the veggies on your platter. Garnish with fresh basil.