Transform your eggplant harvest into a flavorful preserved delicacy that can be stored for up to one year! This traditional preservation method combines roasted eggplant with a rich tomato-pepper sauce, creating an incredible winter appetizer that tastes like summer. Perfect for extending the season of fresh vegetables and always having a delicious, homemade treat ready in your pantry.
Ingredients
For the Eggplant:
- 3kg eggplant (6.6 lbs)
- 1 tbsp salt (20g / 0.7 oz)
- 1 tbsp sugar (20g / 0.7 oz)
- Olive oil for brushing
For the Sauce:
- 2kg tomatoes (4.4 lbs)
- 4 red bell peppers (about 600g / 1.3 lbs)
- 6 green bell peppers (about 900g / 2 lbs)
- 1.5 garlic bulbs (about 75g / 2.6 oz)
- 1 bunch fresh parsley (about 50g / 1.8 oz)
- 100ml olive oil (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp / 3.4 fl oz)
- 1 tbsp sugar (20g / 0.7 oz)
- 1 tbsp salt (20g / 0.7 oz)
- 25ml vinegar, 4% acidity (1.7 tbsp / 0.8 fl oz)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant
Slice 3kg eggplant into rounds about 2 fingers wide (approximately 2cm thick). Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon each of salt and sugar. Let rest for 10-15 minutes to draw out bitter juices.
Step 2: Rinse and Drain
Rinse eggplant slices with cold water to remove salt and bitter juices. Squeeze gently to remove excess water and pat dry with paper towels.
Step 3: Roast the Eggplant
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line baking sheets with greased parchment paper. Brush eggplant slices with olive oil on both sides and arrange on prepared sheets. Roast until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables
Blanch 2kg tomatoes in boiling water for 2 minutes, then peel and cut into 3-4 pieces. Remove stems and seeds from 4 red peppers and 6 green peppers, then cut into pieces.
Step 5: Process the Sauce Base
Using a food processor, chop the tomatoes and peppers into small pieces. Separately process 1.5 garlic bulbs and 1 bunch parsley until finely chopped.
Step 6: Cook the Sauce
Heat 100ml olive oil in a large pot. Add the processed tomato and pepper mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add chopped garlic and parsley, then season with 1 tablespoon each of sugar and salt.
Step 7: Finish the Sauce
Add 25ml vinegar and cook for another 5 minutes. The sauce should be thick and flavorful.
Step 8: Sterilize Jars
Sterilize glass jars and new lids in boiling water for 10 minutes. Keep hot until ready to use.
Step 9: Fill the Jars
Working quickly while both eggplant and sauce are hot, layer roasted eggplant slices in sterilized jars. Pour boiling hot sauce over eggplant, ensuring complete coverage and no air pockets.
Step 10: Seal and Process
Wipe jar rims clean with paper towels. Place sterilized lids and seal tightly. Turn jars upside down immediately and cover with thick cloth. Let cool completely.
Step 11: Check Seals
Once cooled, check that lid centers are sunken inward and don’t move when pressed. This indicates proper vacuum sealing. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Time and Serving Information
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Processing Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 medium jars
- Storage: Up to 1 year in cool, dark place
Nutrition Information (Per 100g serving)
- Calories: 85
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 4g
Why This Recipe is Healthy
This preserved eggplant offers exceptional nutritional benefits while extending the shelf life of fresh vegetables. Eggplants are rich in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, particularly nasunin, which protects cells from oxidative damage. The variety of peppers provides abundant vitamin C, supporting immune function and collagen production.
Tomatoes contribute lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that becomes more bioavailable when cooked. Garlic offers antimicrobial properties and supports cardiovascular health, while parsley provides vitamin K and folate. The olive oil delivers healthy monounsaturated fats and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. This preservation method retains most nutrients while creating a low-sodium, flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for Mediterranean-style eating patterns.
Food Safety Note: Proper sterilization and sealing techniques are essential for safe preservation. Always check jar seals before consumption and discard any jars with bulging lids or off odors.