Simple Ratatouille

I am happy to say that my house is rat free! This is so simple to make and can be eaten hot or cold. There are as many ways to eat it as there is to make it... and this is mine.

Ratatouille

1/4 cup olive oil
2 onions, slivered
3 bell peppers, cubed
2 eggplants, cubed
2 zucchini, cubed
4 cloves garlic, minced 
2 pounds tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
salt and pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil


Cut everything up ahead of time to save you from running around with a knife in one hand and a spoon in the other.

Heat the olive oil in a dutch oven over medium heat. If you don't have a dutch oven, use a thick bottom soup pan. 

Put each ingredient in the pan separately and cook a little before adding the next.
ONIONS - PEPPERS - EGGPLANT ~stirring well to coat the eggplant with oil. Stir often to keep it from burning while the veggies begin to soften. ZUCCHINI, GARLIC, TOMATOES, THYME ~Stir well and cook 2 minutes.

Turn down heat and cover the pot. Simmer until everything is soft and well blended - about 40 minutes.
Stir in basil and remove from heat.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.