Ratatouille

Sauce

Olive oil

4 large garlic cloves, minced

½ of a yellow onion, diced

2 shallots, diced

1 red onion, diced

1 yellow onion, diced

28 oz can crushed tomatoes

Drizzle of white wine

Kosher salt and cracked black pepper

Dried oregano

Dried parsley

Dried thyme

Dried rosemary

Veggies

2 eggplants (I used the striped multicolored kind)

2 zucchini

2 or 3 medium-large summer squash

4-5 roma tomatoes

Topping

Fresh basil, finely chopped

Fresh thyme, finely chopped

Fresh oregano, finely chopped

1 cloves garlic, minced

Olive oil

Salt and cracked black pepper

Directions

- Coat the bottom of a large saucepan with a thick layer of olive oil and add the minced garlic. Cook on medium-high until golden brown.

- Add the shallots and onion and cook until translucent. Add the peppers, cook until moderately soft.

- Add the crushed tomatoes and a little bit of wine. Mix in the seasoning and spices. Measure with your heart.

- Let the sauce simmer on very low heat while you cut the vegetables.

- Slice the eggplant, zucchini, squash, and tomatoes very thin, preferably with a mandoline but I used a very sharp chef’s knife.

- Place most of the sauce in the bottom of a cast-iron skillet with a rounded bottom. Organize the sliced veggies in a circular pattern, starting on the outside edge.

- In a separate bowl, combine the ingredients for the topping, making sure there is enough olive oil that it is pourable.

- Spread the herb mixture on top of the ratatouille.

- Cover with tin foil and cook at about 375° for 40 minutes covered, then remove the foil and cook for another 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, plate and serve with olive oil or remaining sauce. Enjoy!

Information and Discussion

I was watching the movie Ratatouille and I was completely inspired by the way they made this dish. I decided to make it modeled after the one in the movie, and I even plated it the same way, which was really fun to do. This recipe tasted so good, even if you don't like vegetables that much.

Try to get vegetables that are the same circumference around, because it will make it look the best. I also recommend going to a farmer's market to get the best fresh veggies!