-
1
Toss eggplant with salt in a colander set in a large bowl, then let drain, tossing occasionally, 1 hour.
-
2
While eggplant drains, rinse capers in a sieve and transfer to a small bowl.
-
3
Cover capers with water by 2 inches and soak 30 minutes.
-
4
Drain, then repeat soaking.
-
5
Drain and rinse capers, then squeeze dry and coarsely chop.
-
6
Roast bell pepper on rack of a gas burner over moderately high heat, turning with tongs, until skin is blackened, about 5 minutes.
-
7
(Or broil pepper on a broiler pan about 5 inches from heat, turning occasionally, about 15 minutes.)
-
8
Transfer to a bowl, then cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let pepper steam 10 minutes.
-
9
When cool enough to handle, peel pepper and discard seeds, stem, and ribs.
-
10
Pat pepper dry and puree in a blender until smooth.
-
11
Rinse eggplant and pat dry thoroughly.
-
12
Heat vegetable oil in a 4-quart pot over high heat until it registers 375F on thermometer.
-
13
Fry one third of eggplant, stirring gently, until just golden brown, about 5 minutes.
-
14
Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.
-
15
Fry remaining eggplant in 2 batches, returning oil to 375F between batches.
-
16
Pulse together olives, basil, mint, parsley, marjoram, and 2 garlic cloves in a food processor until finely chopped.
-
17
Finely chop remaining garlic clove and cook in olive oil along with anchovy in a 5-quart heavy pot over moderately low heat, stirring, until anchovy dissolves and garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
-
18
Increase heat to moderate and stir in pepper puree, then cook, stirring, 1 minute.
-
19
Stir in olive mixture, capers, and wine and cook, stirring, until wine is evaporated, about 1 minute.
-
20
Stir in eggplant (sauce will be very thick) and remove from heat.
-
21
Keep warm, covered.
-
22
Cook pasta in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and stir into sauce.
-
23
Season with salt.
-
24
*Available at specialty foods shops and chefshop.com.