Trim ends off eggplant with vegetable peeler or paring knife. Then pare off alternating strips of skin so that eggplant appears striped. Cut eggplant into 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes.

In medium pan, warm canola oil over medium-high heat. Add eggplant and sauté for 1 minute. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds. Reduce heat to low and cover pan; sweat eggplant 10 minutes until soft. Stir in cumin, paprika and cilantro and sauté until mixture smells fragrant, about 10 seconds. Stir in tomatoes and bring to a boil.

Turn heat to medium-low and sauté until mixture is thickened and some eggplant is soft and some firm, about 7 minutes. Turn off heat and let mixture sit 5 to 10 minutes before serving to settle the flavours.