This is a side dish that is great to have on hand in the fridge. My mother used to make this all of the time during summers. It keeps well, and it is very refreshing and filling when paired with rice and any protein, or with some toasted bread.
You can add more spices to make this dish similar to an Indian or Chinese eggplant dish, or you can add onions and fresh herbs to make an Italian caponata. We love the basic recipe; we think it is the best one and it keeps the longest. (Aferdita)