Easy Ratatouille

by Shotsie Stein
(Redmond, Washington)

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp. dried herbs de Provence
6 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
2 large yellow onions, quartered
1 bay leaf
2 medium zucchini (about 1 1/4 lbs.)cut into 2" pieces
1 medium eggplant (about 14 oz.)cut into 2" pieces
1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and quartered
1 yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and quartered
10 whole peeled tomatoes from the can, drained
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tbsp. chopped fresh basil leaves
1 tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1. Heat oven to 400˚. Heat oil in a 6-qt. Dutch oven over medium heat. Add herbs de Provence, garlic, onions, and bay leaf; cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and fragrant, about 10 minutes.


2. Increase heat to high; stir in the zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Uncover pot, transfer to the oven, and bake, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and lightly browned, about 1 1/2 hours.

3. Stir in basil and parsley, transfer ratatouille to a serving bowl, and serve warm or at room temp