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Photo: Larry Nighswander

MAKES ABOUT 3 1/2 CUPS

This is a twist on the well-known Sicilian eggplant relish. We adapted it from a recipe found at Komi restaurant in Washington D.C.

2 small rutabagas, peeled and cut into 1/2" dice
5 tablespoons olive oil
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 onion, finely diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 shallot, minced
2 tablespoons currants
1 tablespoon golden raisins
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons sugar
1-1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon grated bittersweet chocolate or cocoa powder

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.

2. Toss the rutabaga with 2 tablespoons of the oil and salt and pepper to taste. Bake, turning once, for 30 minutes or until the rutabaga is tender but still somewhat firm. Set aside.

3. In a large pan over medium heat, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until it is translucent, about 4 minutes, then add the garlic, shallots, currants and raisins, stirring to mix.

4. Add the balsamic vinegar, scraping the pan to deglaze it and incorporate the addition. Add the roasted rutabaga, pine nuts, red pepper flakes, sugar to taste, cinnamon, nutmeg and chocolate or cocoa powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve at room temperature with grilled bread brushed with olive oil, if you like.