RATATOUILLE

Ratatouille (the recipe)

I love this recipe.  In fact, this is probably the third batch I've made in a couple of months.  The ingredients include things you are probably growing in your garden or can purchase at your Farmers Market because you want the freshest veggies possible.  Your home will fill with the aroma of the fresh basil and thyme.  Here goes -

1/4 cup olive oil, plus more as needed

1 1/2 cups diced yellow onion

1 teaspoon minced garlic

2 cups medium diced eggplant, skin on

1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

1 cup diced green bell peppers

1 cup diced red bell peppers

1 cup diced yellow squash

1 cup diced zucchini squash

1 1/2 cups peeled, seeded, & chopped tomatoes

1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh basil leaves

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves

Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

Set a large saute pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add onions and garlic to pan. Cook until they are wilted and lightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.  Add eggplant and thyme and cook until eggplant is partially cooked, about 5 minutes. Add green and red peppers, zucchini, and squash and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes.  Add tomatoes, basil, parsley, salt and pepper (to taste), and cook for final 5 minutes.  Stir well to blend.  Serve hot or at room temperature.  

Enjoy!