Eggplant "Cooked in the Style of Mushroom" Topping: Melanzane al Fungo

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons virgin olive oil
• 1 medium red onion, chopped into 1/4-inch dice
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 4 medium Italian eggplant, long and thin, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/4-inch half moons
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 bunches Italian parsley leaves, finely chopped to yield 1/2 cup
• 8 slices peasant bread
• Caciocavallo

Directions

Preheat the grill or broiler.

In a 10 to 12-inch saute pan, heat the oil until smoking. Add the onions, and cook until lightly browned or softened, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until soft, about 2 minutes. Add eggplant and cook, stirring regularly, until they turn golden brown and soft, resembling mushrooms, about 10 minutes. Remove the mixture from heat and season with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to cool. Add the parsley and mix well to combine.

Grill or toast the bread until golden brown. Place each slice on a serving plate or in a shallow bowl. Divide the eggplant mixture over the bread and serve with shards of cheese and black pepper sprinkled over the top.