Want to get the most out of your late summer tomatoes and eggplants? Try the simple two-step prep we use for these easy crostini.
We start by salting and draining the eggplants and tomatoes. This removes excess water, which not only makes for a meatier texture, it also concentrates the flavors. After the draining, the vegetables are roasted, which caramelizes their natural sugars, further deepening the flavors. The result is incredibly rich and naturally sweet. The whole thing gets tied together with a sweet-tangy balsamic glaze and bit of salty parmesan.
If the rest of your dinner is being cooked on the grill, you could skip the oven step and roast the vegetables on there. Prepare them according to the recipe, but set the baking sheet over the cooler side of the grill (turn down one or more of the burners, as needed). And this same topping also would be delicious over pasta, or even spooned onto a burger.
Start to finish: 30 minutes
Nonstick cooking sprau
2 large yellow onions, quartered and sliced
Extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Water, as needed
2 small eggplants, diced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
Toasted, sliced French bread
Balsamic glaze, to serve
Freshly ground black pepper
Parmesan cheese, to serve
Watercress, to serve
Heat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and coat with cooking spray.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the onions with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt, stirring regularly until caramelized, for 18 to 20 minutes. If the onions begin to stick, add a teaspoon or 2 of water.
Meanwhile, in a mesh strainer over the sink or a bowl, combine the eggplants and tomatoes. Sprinkle in several hefty pinches of salt, then toss lightly. Allow to sit for 15 minutes to drain the excess liquid. Spread the mixture on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Roast for 15 to 18 minutes, or until tender and browned.
In a large bowl, combine the eggplant, tomatoes and caramelized onions. Spoon the mixture onto slices of toasted French bread, then drizzle with the balsamic glaze and sprinkle with black pepper. Top with some of the parmesan cheese and watercress. Serve immediately.
Makes 6 servings.
Nutrition information per serving: 200 calories (35 calories from fat), 4 grams fat (1 gram saturated), 0 cholesterol, 7 grams protein, 36 grams carbohydrates, 7 grams dietary fiber, 580 milligrams sodium
