Spicy Eggplant Arancini

A great vegetarian option with tons of flavor! The spicy eggplant filling also makes a great pizza topping, toss into pasta or on top of risotto for a “deconstructed” arancini.

Make the Arancini recipe substituting the meatball filling for this Cyndi-inspired spicy eggplant filling.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium sized eggplant, diced small with skin on. Discard seeded areas.
  • 3 – 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and pressed
  • 1 16oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (or plain diced tomatoes)
  • cayenne to taste (1/4 teaspoon is a good start)
  • salt and pepper
  • olive oil
  • fresh basil, chopped fine

Instructions

In a large saute pan, saute garlic in olive oil until fragrant and nearly brown. Add eggplant, salt and pepper. Saute a few minutes until starting to soften – add more olive oil or a little white wine if it seems dry. Add tomatoes and basil and cook down, about 15 minutes.