Eggplant Parmigiana Caponata

Ingredients

• 1 cup olive oil , divided
• 1 eggplant , sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
• 2 reds bell peppers , chopped
• 8 slices mozzarella cheese
• 1 small onion , chopped
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 , 16 ounce
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
• 0.25 cups balsamic vinegar
• 0.25 cups red wine vinegar
• 0.5 cups brown sugar
• 8 tablespoons tomato paste
• 8 anchovys fillets , Optional
• 3 tablespoons capers , chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. 2

   Heat 1/2 cup olive oil in a large heavy skillet. Saute eggplant until each piece becomes saturated with oil. Use eggplant to line the bottom of a 3 quart casserole dish. Saute the red peppers until tender, and layer over eggplant in casserole dish. Top with mozzarella.

3. 3

   Heat remaining olive oil, and cook onions and garlic until lightly browned and caramelized. Stir in stewed tomatoes, basil, and oregano and simmer 5 minutes. Add balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, and tomato paste. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add anchovy fillets, if using, and capers. Season with salt and pepper. Pour over the mozzarella cheese in the casserole dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of sauce.

4. 4

   Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted.