Storyteller, Cook and  Author Jonathan Bardzik surely knows a thing or two about the importance of cooking with fresh ingredients! He’s one of the hottest chefs in the Washington D.C. area, as his ‘farm to table’  cuisine has lit up farmers markets, including Mosaic Central Farm Markets, and even on the shelves at local bookstore.

“I believe that life can and should be lived well, and that living well is within reach – across many economic levels – each and every day by preparing a simple meal, setting a table and sharing it with those you love, even – and maybe especially – when that is a table for one,” said Jonathan in an interview with Instinct magazine.

Serves 6-8

3 tbs olive oil

3 small eggplant in 1/2” dice

2 medium sweet peppers

3 tbs capers

1 lg tomato, diced

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

2 tbs chopped basil

1/4 cup chopped parsley

3 cups cooked quinoa

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

1 tsp Dijon mustard

2/3 cups olive oil – the good stuff!

Warm 2 tbs oil in 12” skillet over medium heat. Cook until lightly browned on all sides, then reduce heat to medium low and cook until fork tender. Remove from pan.

Warm 1 tbs oil over medium heat. Thinly slice peppers and add to pan. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add capers and cook until fragrant, 1 minute longer.

Toss together eggplant, peppers, tomato, onion, basil and parsley.

Mash garlic into a paste with a pinch of coarse salt. Whisk together garlic, red wine vinegar and mustard. Whisk in olive oil to form a creamy emulsion.

Dress salad and serve over quinoa.

Jonathan Bardzik is the author of three incredible cookbooks: ‘Simple Summer’, ‘Seasons to Taste’, and ‘Fresh and Magical Vinaigrettes‘, all of which are chock full of delicious recipes that you can make for your own friends, family or that special someone all year round.

Storyteller, Cook and  Author Jonathan Bardzik will appearing at Collar Greens: Wellness Day & Dog Parade to help families and their pets to stay healthy and happy at Mosaic Central Farm Markets on Sunday, June 9, 2019. Check out all the amazing activities from this year’s Collar Greens event: