Mediterranean Eggplant - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 large eggplant
1 tsp. salt
1/4 c. water
4 slices bacon, diced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 green pepper, finely chopped
1/2 c. chopped celery
1/4 tsp. sweet basil
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 (1 lb.) can tomatoes
1 c. (4 oz.) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 c. bread crumbs, cracker crumbs or stuffing mix
Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Peel eggplant and dice into 1/2-inch cubes.
Add salt to water and steam until just tender, 5 to 8 minutes.
Fry bacon until crisp and remove.
Saute onion, green pepper and celery in bacon drippings until transparent.
Combine eggplant, onion, green pepper, celery, crumbled bacon, seasonings, tomatoes, cheese and 3/4 cup crumbs.
Toss lightly and pour into greased casserole. Top with remaining crumbs and bake 20 minutes at 350\u00b0.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese while hot.
Serves 6 to 8.