Eggplant Dirty Rice

Name: Eggplant Dirty Rice
Ingredients: 1/4 cup canola oil; 3 celery ribs, finely chopped; 2 medium green bell peppers, seeded and finely chopped; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; Salt; 1 medium eggplant (about 1 pound), cut into 3/4-inch cubes; 1 tablespoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon finely ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon finely ground white pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne; 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 1/2 cups medium-grain white rice; 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth; Hot sauce, for serving