Here’s something special to make with a group of friends on a weekend evening. Give everyone an assignment, along with a glass of wine, and it will all come together in no time!

• 1 lb. whole-grain pasta of any kind [we love brown-rice fettucini in our house!]
• 6 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small eggplant, diced medium-small
• 2 small zucchini, sliced into half moons
• 3 cups white mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 6 ripe plum tomatoes, chopped coarsely
• 1/2 small jalapeño pepper (seeds and ribs removed), chopped finely
• 1/4 c. Italian parsley, chopped coarsely
• 1 Tbsp. capers (optional)
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
• 2 Tbsp. fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 1/2 tsp. pepper

Cook pasta, drain, and toss with 2 Tbsp. of oil. Set aside.

Heat 1 Tbsp. of oil in skillet over medium heat. Add eggplant, cover and cook 5-7 minutes until softening. Add zucchini, jalapeño and mushrooms, and cook for 5 more minutes until vegetables are barely cooked  and zucchini is still bright green. Stir in tomatoes, capers and parsley. Remove from heat and transfer to large serving bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil with vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper in small bowl. Stir into vegetables and let rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Add pasta to vegetables, stir, and sprinkle with fresh basil. Serves 4-6.

Thank you to Robin Robertson and One Dish Vegetarian Meals for a prior version of this recipe.