Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs eggplants
- 1 bell pepper , red
- 1⁄3; cucumber , English
- ¼ red onion , small
- ½ garlic , clove, small
- 3 tablespoons olive oil , extra virgin
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice , fresh
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper , freshly ground
Directions:
- To roast the eggplants, preheat a charcoal or gas grill or a broiler.
- Roast the eggplants, turning as needed, until the skin is charred on all sides, the time will vary depending on the cooking method you use.
- The eggplant is cooked when it is soft and looks somewhat deflated.
- Place the eggplant on a plate to cool.
- Trim and seed the red pepper, then cut into 1/4-inch dice.
- Cut the cucumber lengthwise in half, scoop out the seeds with a spoon, and cut into ¼-inch dice.
- Peel and finely chop the onion.
- Peel and finely chop the garlic.
- Once the eggplant is cool enough to handle, remove as much of the skin as possible along with any large dark seeds.
- Cut the eggplant into 1-inch squares and place it in a colander in the sink or over a bowl for 5 to 10 minutes to allow excess liquid to drain, set aside until needed.
- Transfer the eggplant to a serving dish and add the red pepper, cucumber, onion and garlic.
- Stir in the olive oil and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately or the salt will draw out too much moister from the vegetables.
