Simple, Rustic Ratatouille
Late summer vegetable stew
Servings: 4
Equipment
- Dutch Oven or saute pan and oven safe pot
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Fresh Tomatoes 6-8 beefsteak type tomatoes (depending on size)
- 4 Cups Eggplant about 1 large eggplant
- 4 Cups Zucchini about 1 medium zucchini
- 4 Cups Bell Peppers about 2 large Red, Yellow, or Orange peppers
- 1/2 Cup Olive Oil
- Large Bunch Fresh Basil about 2 cups - divided
- 5 Sprigs Fresh Thyme
- Small Bunch Parsley
- 2 Medium Onions
Instructions
- Chop tomatoes into approximately ½ chunks and place in strainer or colander to let drain over sink or bowl for at least half an hour
- Slice eggplant and zucchini into ¼ to ½ inch slices and lay out on paper towels in a single layer - salt generously and let sit for at least half an hour
- Chop up bell peppers into approximately ½ chunks and set aside
- Slice onions and set aside
- Create an herb bundle with the thyme, parsley, and half the basil (save the other half for later) by tying it with undyed string or thread
- Once eggplant has released its liquid, press firmly with paper towels to remove as much liquid as possible
- Pour ¼ cup olive oil into dutch oven or large saute pan and set over medium heat for 3 minutes
- Add onions and saute for 3 minutes
- Add eggplant to hot oil and saute for 3-4 minutes
- Add remaining ¼ cup of olive oil
- Next add zucchini and peppers and saute for another 3-4 minutes
- Finally add the tomatoes and herb bundle and turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes with no lid - stirring occasionally
- Preheat oven to 350°
- After vegetable have cooked on the stove top for 20 minutes remove herb bundle, place lid on dutch oven or transfer to oven safe pot with lid (if using a saute pan) and place in oven
- Cook covered and undisturbed in oven for 40 minutes to allow flavors to meld and vegetables to become meltingly tender
- Remove from oven and add remaining basil (stems removed and leaves torn in half)
- Let cool slightly before serving and sprinkle with a pit of parmesan cheese if desired
