Makes 8 servings as a first course, 10 servings as part of a meze.
2 eggplants (aubergines), preferably the plum-shaped Italian ones, about 500 g (1 pound)
salt
2 red capsicums (bell peppers)
2 yellow capsicums (bell peppers)
3 long, slender zucchini, about 700 g (1 1/2 pounds)
a little olive oil for brushing
The marinade:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red or white wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 oil-packed anchovy fillets, minced, or salt to taste
1 tablespoon minced fresh mint, thyme or oregano
Cut the eggplant into lengthwise slices about 2 cm (1/4 inch) thick. Place in a bowl and cover with water, measuring the amount used. Add 1/4 cup of salt for every 1 quart (2 pints). Set a plate in the bowl with a weight on top (a can of tomatoes is ideal) to hold the slices underwater and leave them to soak for 1 to 2 hours.
Meanwhile, rinse the capsicums (peppers) and cut them in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and white membrane. Cut the zucchini on the diagonal into slices about 2 cm (half an inch) thick.
Preheat the grill. Remove the eggplant slices from the brine and pat dry with paper towels. Brush the eggplant and zucchini slices lightly with olive oil, using a pastry brush, and grill them on each side for 10 to 18 minutes. When the slices are toasted dark brown on both sides, remove from the grill and arrange on a deep platter.
Place the capsicum halves skin side down on the grill. Cook until the peppers are slightly blackened and the skin is starting to lift off and blister, about 5 to 8 minutes. (Capsicums need not be cooked on both sides). Add to the platter.
Mix the marinade ingredients together and pour the marinade over the vegetables. Cover with aluminium foil and set aside at room temperate to marinate for several hours or overnight. Serve at room temperature.
