Originally posted August 02, 2011

Chez Panisse Ratatouille

Chez Panisse Ratatouille by LizDunn

Photo by Liz Dunn

We have signed up for a Community Supported Agriculture box from Eatwell Farms. So each week we get a bunch of vegetables that we have to figure out what to do with. This week we had eggplant, which made @hulagun think of ratatouille, and my Chez Panisse Vegetables cookbook had a recipe for it. I followed it pretty much: but they wanted three onions and I only had one, and 5 tomatoes and I only had 4; you know, etcetera. Below, I name the varietal of vegetable that Eatwell Farms gives us just for reference. And bragging.

Ingredients

  • 2 Black Bell eggplants
  • Salt
  • 1 onion
  • 2 green bell peppers
  • 3 sweet banana peppers
  • 2 zucchinis
  • 4 tomatoes, all heirloom
  • 12 cloves garlic
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Hot pepper flakes
  • 1 large bunch basil (half a pound-ish), stems tied together to form a bouquet garni
8 servings

Directions

Cut the eggplant into 1/2" cubes. Salt liberally and let drain in a colander.

Cut the onions, zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes into 1/2" cubes but keep each separate (I put them into individual bowls). Smash the garlic and chop it up, it doesn't have to be finely minced.

Squeeze the eggplant in fistfuls to get as much liquid as you can out.

In a large saucepan, heat olive oil and fry the eggplant till golden. Then remove from pan and reserve.

Add more olive oil and sautee the onions. When they are translucent-ish add the garlic, hot pepper flakes, and the basil.

After a few minutes, throw in the peppers, after a few more minutes, throw in the zucchini, then finally throw in the tomatoes. Sautee everything for 10 minutes.

Then, toss in the eggplant and now cook all together for 15 to 25 minutes. Remove the basil and serve! If you feel like it drizzle more olive oil, add finely chopped garlic and a few basil leaves as a garnish.

1 hour

Comments

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  • commented over 12 years ago

    I like this recipe because it keeps the whole "you have to saute these things separately for the sake of flavor" thing but simplifies it so it's less of a pain to do. i will try it! also (in response to joanie), you can eat it alone, on bread, on pasta, as a side dish or a main dish. versatility.

  • commented over 12 years ago

    I'm not sure I've ever had ratatouille. How do you eat it? On bread? Or just spoon it straight into your mouth? Perhaps you should invite me over next time. :)

Adapted from

Chez Panisse "Vegetables" cookbook

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