Eggplant, Tomato & Basil Bruschetta

Ingredients

• 2 Lbs. Eggplant
• 1/2 Cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
• 1/2 tsp 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup packed basil leaves, coarsely shredded
• 6 Italian plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 16 1/2-inch slices of country bread
• 1 dash sea salt

Directions

Slice the eggplants crosswise 1/4 inch thick. Stack several slices and cut them into 1/4-inch matchsticks; repeat with the remaining eggplant.

Transfer the eggplant to a colander, sprinkle generously with salt and toss to coat. Let drain for at least 30 minutes.

Squeeze handfuls of the eggplant to extract the bitter juices. Warm 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.

Add the eggplant and toss it quickly to coat with oil. Reduce the heat to moderate, add the garlic and crushed red pepper and season with black pepper. cook, stirring, until the eggplant begins to soften, about 15 minutes.

Add 3 tablespoons of the basil and cook until just wilted. Add half the tomatoes and cook over moderately low heat, stirring, until the liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes.

Add the remaining tomatoes and cook until thick, about 15 minutes longer. Season with salt and keep warm. Meanwhile, preheat a grill or broiler. Brush the bread on both sides with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Grill or broil the bread until lightly charred. Spoon the eggplant on the grilled bread, top with the remaining 1 tablespoon of basil and serve right away.