Eggplant, Roasted Pepper and Chicken Pitas

1. Sprinkle sliced eggplant with salt and allow to drain in a colander for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat a grill for medium-high heat (see Cook's Note).

2. Pound chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap to a thickness of 1/4-inch. Dredge with flour, shake off excess, dip into beaten egg, then press into seasoned bread crumbs to coat.

3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown. Set aside.

4. Wipe eggplant dry with a paper towel. If grilling, brush slices with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Grill until tender and well marked.

5. Crush garlic with a mortar and pestle with a pinch of salt. Whisk together garlic, red wine vinegar, and extra-virgin olive oil. Slice grilled eggplant into strips and toss with roasted peppers and balsamic dressing; season to taste with salt and pepper.

6. To assemble, heat pita breads on the grill until hot and marked. Slice chicken into strips and place into warm pitas along with marinated eggplant and red peppers.

Cook's Notes:

You can make your own roasted red peppers instead of buying them. This makes great leftovers--just assemble the sandwiches right before eating.

You can also fry the eggplant rounds instead of grilling. Pour canola oil about 1/2 inch deep in a cast iron skillet or heavy pan. Heat over medium-high heat. Wipe salted eggplant slices dry with a paper towel. Working in batches, fry eggplant until golden brown on each side. Lay cooked eggplant on a plate lined with double sheets of paper towels, because eggplant soaks up a lot of oil.