What’s Cooking Wednesday: Ratatouille

Ratatouille may roll off the tongue, but it’s not that easy to spell – I hardly ever get it right on the first try. Fortunately, this recipe is much easier to make than spell.

Eggplant is the star of this delicious combination of vegetables sauteed to perfection in a tasty tomato-based sauce. Ratatouille can be a great side dish or center piece for lunch or dinner.

My version of ratatouille is ‘low fuss.’ I use one skillet & cook it on the stove top – no need to heat up the oven & just one pan to clean! The veggies are added one at a time, so while one is cooking you can slice/dice the next one.

Also, the measurements for this recipe DO NOT have to be exact. Add more or less of anything to suit your taste.

 

Ratatouille

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1 cup sliced & quartered eggplant (peel if desired)
• 1 cup sliced & quartered zucchini (and/or yellow summer squash)
• 1 cup diced tomato
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. basil
• 1/2 tsp. oregano
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce or tomato juice

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil on low for a minute or two
2. Add diced onion and saute over medium heat until they start to turn translucent. Add garlic, basil & oregano.
3. Add eggplant and saute until it starts to soften, stirring occasionally.
4. Add zucchini and saute until it starts to soften, stirring occasionally.
5. Add diced tomato and tomato sauce/juice. Stir and cook until eggplant starts to turn translucent and sauce thickens.
6. Serve hot.

Makes about 1 cup.

Fun fact: Did you know that the vegetable we call ‘eggplant,’ the British call ‘aubergine’? I learned that recently while talking with an acquaintance from across the pond.

Have you come across any unique or unusual names for food?