Savory Provencal Vegetable Ratatouille

Discover the delightful flavors of the French countryside with a classic Ratatouille, a traditional Provençal vegetable stew. This dish is a celebration of summer vegetables, featuring a gradual layering of flavors and aromas. Best served warm, this colorful and nutritious vegetarian dish can act as a main course or a hearty side dish.

Ingredients:
– 2 zucchinis, sliced into rounds
– 1 eggplant, cut into cubes
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 4 large tomatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
– 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:
1. Preparation: Begin by prepping all vegetables. Slice zucchinis into rounds, cut eggplant into cubes, dice the bell peppers, and finely chop the onion. Peel and dice the tomatoes as well.

2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large and deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat half of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until translucent and aromatic, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add Eggplant: Add the eggplant cubes to the skillet and cook until they start to soften, around 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

4. Incorporate Bell Peppers and Zucchini: Add the bell peppers and zucchini to the skillet, and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing all vegetables to tenderize.

5. Tomato Base: Pour in the diced tomatoes, then sprinkle the thyme, rosemary, and add the bay leaf. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients.

6. Simmer: Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

7. Finishing Touch: Once the vegetables are thoroughly cooked and the flavors well-blended, remove the bay leaf. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top and adjust seasoning if necessary.

8. Serve: Transfer the Ratatouille to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Enjoy this Savory Provençal Vegetable Ratatouille as a vibrant, healthy meal that brings the essence of rustic French cuisine to your table!