Macedonian Salad

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant (about 9 inches long)
• a little oil for the baking tray
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 medium clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt (more, to taste)
• freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon basil
• ¼ teaspoon thyme
• ¼ teaspoon marjoram or oregano
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup (packed) finely minced parsley
• 2 small scallions, very finely minced
• ½ medium red bell pepper, minced
• ½ medium green bell pepper, minced
• 1 medium tomato, diced

Optional Garnishes

• olives (Greek, oil-cured, or Niçoise)
• yogurt
• crumbled feta cheese

Procedures

1. Preheat oven to 375 °F.
2. Spread the eggplant cubes onto a lightly oiled baking tray, and roast in the oven about 15 minutes, or until tender enough so a fork can slide in easily.
3. Remove from oven.
4. Meanwhile, combine the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, herbs, and lemon juice in a medium-sized bowl.
5. Add the still-warm eggplant and stir.
6. Cover, and let sit for at least 2 hours (at this stage, it will keep in the refrigerator for several days).
7. Add the remaining vegetables within an hour or two of serving.
8. Serve garnished with olives and yogurt or crumbled feta cheese.