1 medium eggplant, peeled, cut into 1 inch cubes
2 red bell peppers, seeded, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 red onion, peeled, cut into 1 inch cubes
2 garlic cloves, peeled; each cut in half
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon tomato paste or (1 Roma tomato, diced), optional

Preheat oven to 400°F.

In a large baking sheet with sides, fitted with parchment paper, add all of the ingredients, except the tomato paste or tomato. Roast 35-45 minutes, until vegetables are lightly browned and soft, stirring once during cooking. Cool slightly. Place vegetables in a food processor fitted with a steel blade, add tomato paste, if using, and pulse 3-4 times, or more, to blend. Taste for salt and pepper.

Note: If using a Roma tomato, add after mixture has been processed.