Ratatouille

Tonight was the epitome of backyard gardening!  I went row by row, and picked till my heart's content.  Looking at the pile of my haul, I thought of the French dish Ratatouille (no, no, not the Disney movie) the real dish, Ratatouille, a beautiful, melding of summer vegetables and herbs to come together as a side dish that is unbelievable fresh and delicious.  The combination of eggplant, zucchini, squash, combined with tomatoes and fresh herbs, certainly makes me realize why French cooking is premier.  Anyone up for taking a course in French cooking?  Maybe I will dream of the Cordon Bleu tonight!  Oiu Oiu!

Ratatouille
printable recipe

1/4 c. olive oil
1-1/2 c. small diced yellow onion
1 tsp. minced garlic
2 cups medium diced eggplant, skin on
1/2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
1 c. diced green bell peppers
1 c. diced red bell peppers
1 c. diced zucchini
1 c. diced yellow squash
1-1/2 c. chopped tomato
1 T. thinly sliced fresh basil
1 T. fresh parsley, chopped fine
Salt and fresh ground pepper

Set a 12 inch saute pan over medium heat and add the olive oil.  Once hot, add the onions and garlic.  Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are wilted and lightly caramelized.

Add the eggplant and thyme to the pan and continue to cook, stirring occasionally until the eggplant is partially cooked. 

Add the peppers, zucchini, and squash.  Continue to cook, another 5 minutes.

Add the tomatoes, basil, parsley and salt and pepper to taste, cook for 5 minutes more until all vegetables are cooked and blended.

Stir to blend and serve either hot or room temperature.

I served with a simple breaded pork tenderloin.  Perfect summer meal!