Pan-Seared Polenta with Mediterranean Vegetables

Ingredients

• 4 cups cubed peeled eggplant (about 1 small)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red bell peppers
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 small zucchini, sliced in half lengthwise, then cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices (about 3 cups)
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano, un-drained
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (17-ounce) tube polenta, cut into 8 slices
• Olive oil-flavored cooking spray
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

1. Sprinkle eggplant with 1/2 teaspoon salt in a colander; let stand 30 minutes. Rinse well; pat dry with paper towels.
2. Drain roasted bell peppers; cut peppers into 1-inch pieces. Set aside.
3. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add eggplant, zucchini, and onion; sauté 8 minutes. Add garlic and roasted bell pepper; cook 1 minute. Add tomatoes, vinegar, and pepper; cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 8 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Set aside and keep warm.
4. Wipe pan with paper towels, and heat over medium-high heat. Coat polenta with cooking spray; add to pan. Sear on each side 3 to 4 minutes or until browned.
5. Place 2 slices of polenta on each of 4 plates; top evenly with eggplant mixture, basil, pine nuts, and cheese.