Green Matbucha

1. 1

   Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large saucepan set over medium heat. Add the onion, eggplant, green peppers, jalapeno, sugar, and a generous pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften, about 15 minutes. Add the garlic, za'atar, onion powder, and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 1-2 minutes.

2. 2

   Stir in the tomatoes with their juice, and bring mixture to a simmer; reduce heat to low and cook, partially covered and stirring often, until mixture thickens and the vegetables grow very tender, about 10 minutes. Partway through cooking, mash the vegetables a bit with a potato masher or the back of a spoon.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, place the basil, mint, another generous pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a food processor and pulse, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary, until a pesto-like paste forms. Stir green mixture into eggplant mixture and let cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and season with additional salt and black pepper to taste. Let cool to room temperature, then transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with more za'atar.

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