Roasted Eggplant Caponata

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds eggplant, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 bunch celery hearts, sliced
• 1 red onion, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
• 1 cup good-quality tomato sauce
• 1 cup green olives, pitted and torn into thirds
• 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained
• 1 tablespoon sugar, or to taste
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Toss the eggplant with 4 tablespoons olive oil in a large bowl, and season with salt and pepper. Arrange the eggplant on a baking sheet in one layer and roast until browned and tender, flipping halfway through, about 25 minutes. Let cool.
2. Meanwhile, cook the celery in a small pot of boiling water until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold running water until cooled. Drain well, and set aside.
3. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over moderately high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until just golden, about 5 minutes. Add the olives, capers, reserved celery, tomato sauce, sugar, vinegar and salt to taste. Gently stir in the eggplant, being careful not to break up the pieces. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer to a large bowl or platter and cool.
4. Garnish the caponata with the chopped parsley, and serve cold or at room temperature.