June 17th is also Eat Your Vegetables Day

See all the fun shit you can learn here?

Try this:

Halve a nice, firm, plump eggplant lengthwise, take a thin slice off the outside (so they will sit still) and remove the flesh with a spoon, leaving about a quarter inch wall intact. Then pop them into a 350 degree oven on a rimmed baking sheet, open side up while you . . .

Chop the flesh into nice chunks and saute in olive oil with a pinch of salt. Add chopped sweet onions and bell peppers. A few minutes later add garlic, wait 30 seconds, and add fresh tomatoes grated on a box grater, or some canned Italian peeled tomatoes crushed by hand.

Cook down till all is bubbly and thickened, then season with salt and pepper and whatever herbs you like (I like parsley, oregano and basil for this, fresh if possible).

When the eggplant shells are cooked and beginning to soften, take out and fill with the stuff you just made. top with a robust cheese like this, grated or shredded, and breadcrumbs, drizzle with more olive oil and broil until the top is brown and crusty.

Eat with a cheap red wine and lots of bread. Mom would be proud!