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1
In a deep bowl soak diced eggplant in heavily salted water (about 1/2 tablespoon salt).
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2
Use a smaller bowl to weigh the eggplant down so that it is fully submerged.
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3
Leave to soak about 20 minutes - until the water is discoloured - this process reduces the eggplant's absorbancy.
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4
Drain diced eggplant thoroughly and dry completely in a clean tea towel or use paper towels.
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5
Heat up 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and saute the eggplant until softened.
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6
Set aside.
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7
Using the same frypan heat up the second tablespoon of olive oil and saute the garlic and onion until soft.
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8
Add bell pepper, carrots, zucchini and celery.
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9
Saute 5 minutes.
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10
Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, chili powder and ground cumin.
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11
Cook 2 minutes.
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12
Add canned tomatoes with the juice, sugar, oregano and basil leaves.
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13
Cook on low until tomatoes are further broken up and softened.
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14
Stir in drained and rinsed kidney beans and bread crumbs.
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15
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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16
Pour into a greased 9 x 9 glass casserole dish.
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17
Sprinkle with grated cheese and bake for 30 minutes.
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18
VERY IMPORTANT!
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19
Allow to rest for 20 minutes - it will thicken slightly and the flavours intensify if served warm not hot.
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20
Serve with garlic bread and a green salad.