Polenta with Eggplant, Onion, and Tomatoes

• FAST
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 10 tablespoons olive oil
2. 1 onion, chopped
3. 5 cloves garlic, minced
4. 1 large eggplant (about 1 3/4 pounds), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
5. 2 tomatoes (about 3/4 pound), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
6. 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes in thick puree
7. 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
8. 2 1/4 teaspoons salt
9. 1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
10. 4 1/2 cups water
11. 1 1/3 cups coarse or medium cornmeal
12. 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan

1. In a large nonstick frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over moderate heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion starts to brown, about 5 minutes. Remove. Heat 6 tablespoons of the oil in the same pan over moderately high heat. Add the eggplant and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 10 minutes. Add the onion mixture, fresh and canned tomatoes, parsley, and 1 teaspoon of the salt. Simmer until thick, about 10 minutes. Stir in the pepper.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring the water and the remaining 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt to a boil. Add the cornmeal in a slow stream, whisking constantly. Whisk in the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until the polenta is thick, about 20 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan. Serve the hot polenta topped with the vegetables.