Vico's Marinated Eggplant With Tomatoes And Mozzarella

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Peel the eggplant and cut into quarter-inch slices lengthwise. Salt each slice and stack in a shallow pie pan, cover with a plate that will fit inside the pan and weigh it down with a small heavy skillet. Refrigerate for 12 hours, draining once after the slices have given up some of their liquid.

2. Step 2

   Bring the vinegar and one cup of water to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan. Drain the eggplant slices and blanch the slices in the vinegar and water for one minute, drain and pat dry.

3. Step 3

   Lightly coat a non-reactive loaf pan with a little of the oil. Layer the pan with the eggplant slices, garlic, herbs and oil until all the ingredients are stacked in the pan. Cover with oil, cover tightly and refrigerate for one week before using.

4. Step 4

   Cut the tomatoes in half lengthwise and chop. Place them in a bowl with the oregano, salt and pepper and toss with the olive oil, or enough to coat, and set aside.

5. Step 5

   Place four to five marinated eggplant slices on individual serving plates and set aside.

6. Step 6

   Bring one quart of water to the boil in a medium-sized saucepan. Turn off the heat, add the mozzarella cubes and let sit for 30 seconds. Remove the cubes with a slotted spoon and divide among the salad plates. Evenly divide the tomatoes and their juices over the mozzarella and top with the parsley sprigs. Serve immediately.