Eggplant With Basil

Directions

1. 1
   Select firm, unblemished eggplants which are rather long and thin, about 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
2. 2
   Wash eggplants, trim the ends, and slice into 1/2 inch rounds.
3. 3
   Toss in salt until they are thoroughly coated and place on a baking sheet (you may stack them).
4. 4
   With a second baking sheet on top, pile on a heavy weight and allow to stand 30 minutes to an hour.
5. 5
   Meanwhile, bring a 4 inch depth of water to boil in a saucepan.
6. 6
   Drop the tomatoes into the rapidly boiling water a few at a time for about 10 to 15 seconds, depending on ripeness.
7. 7
   Plunge immediately into ice water to stop the cooking and prevent the tomatoes from getting mushy.
8. 8
   Slip off the skins, cut out the stem, and gently squeeze out the seeds and juice.
9. 9
   Peel, crush, and very finely chop the garlic.
10. 10
    Very finely chop the parsley and basil.
11. 11
    Crush the thyme and oregano in a mortar and pestle to release the flavors.
12. 12
    Combine garlic and the herbs in a small bowl.
13. 13
    Thoroughly rinse eggplant to remove the salt and pat dry.
14. 14
    Preheat a large frying pan over high heat until very hot; add 2 tablespoons of oil to the pan.
15. 15
    Immediately begin cooking a few eggplant slices at a time until brown on both sides; replenish the oil a little at a time as needed without letting eggplant slices absorb too much of the oil.
16. 16
    Arrange the eggplant slices on a baking sheet.
17. 17
    Cut the tomatoes into 3/8 inch slices, cutting from top to bottom.
18. 18
    Place a tomato slice on the eggplant; sprinkle with a pinch of sugar to counteract any acidity.
19. 19
    Crumble about 1 tablespoon of feta cheese on top of each tomato and top with about 1 1/2 teaspoons of the herb mixture on the feta cheese.
20. 20
    Top the herb mixture with about 1 tablespoon of the gruyere cheese; grind fresh black pepper on each slice.
21. 21
    Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 15-20 minutes.
22. 22
    Serve immediately.