Ratatouille

Ratatouille

Ratatouille (ratatouille niçoise) is a traditional French Provençal stewed vegetable dish that originated from Nice. Ratatouille is usually served as a side dish, but also may be served as a main dish. The secret of a good ratatouille is by cooking the vegetables separately so that each vegetable holds its own flavor. There are many versions of ratatouille, but here is my version.

INGREDIENTS

2 Large Onions

2 Medium Green Zucchini

1 Medium Yellow Zucchini

1 Green Bell Pepper

1 Red Bell Pepper

1 Large Eggplant

8 Seeded Plum Tomatoes

4 Crushed Garlic Cloves

¼ Cup Olive Oil

½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt

½ Teaspoon Freshly Ground Pepper

Slice all of the vegetables and keep them separated. Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a heavy sauté pan. When the oil is hot add the onions and crushed garlic. Cook for 8 minutes over a high heat. Remove the onions and place in a large bowl. Repeat this process with all of the vegetables cooking them in small batches. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Layer the sautéed vegetables into a large oven safe pot or ceramic dish. Add the salt and pepper. You don’t need to add any water or stock as the vegetables will produce enough of their own juices so that they don’t burn. Cook for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve either as a side or main dish. Serves 4