ROASTED EGGPLANT SOUP WITH MOZZARELLA CROUTONS RECIPE
ROASTED EGGPLANT SOUP WITH MOZZARELLA CROUTONS RECIPE ============================================== ============================================== Ingredients: ------------ 1.5 lb Japanese eggplant, halved lengthwise 1 red bell pepper, halved lengthwise and seeded 4 tblsp extra-virgin olive oil 2 onions, unpeeled and halved lengthwise 3 plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise 8 garlic cloves 1 tblsp unsalted butter 3 fresh thyme sprigs, chopped fine 3 fresh oregano sprigs, chopped fine 3 fresh basil sprigs, chopped fine 8 cups chicken broth 1 bay leaf, crumbled 12 1/4-inch-thick slices of French bread, toasted 3/4 lb goat's milk mozzarella, grated coarsely Instructions: ------------- In a bowl coat the eggplant and the bell pepper lightly with 1 tablespoon of the oil and season the vegetables with salt and pepper. In a foil-lined roasting pan arrange the eggplant, skin sides down, the bell pepper, skin sides up, the onions, cut sides down, and the tomatoes,...