I don't bake, so I don't experiment with too many baking recipes - cooking, that's different. I saw eggplant was on sale for 50 cents each so I bought a couple and figured I'd look for a new recipe. The kids don't like Eggplant Parmesan so much. I came across a recipe for Ratatouille (yes, like in the Disney movie) and thought I'd try it. It takes about an hour to make and cook, but it was so much better than I expected - and a LOT better than it looks.
I sauteed an onion in olive oil, cut into rings, until they were clear and carmelized. Then I fried 3 garlic cloves I grated, along with 2 green peppers cut in strips. Then I turned up the heat and added the diced eggplant (you sprinkle it w/salt, let it sit for 1/2 hr., then rinse and pat dry before cooking). After a few minutes, I added Italian squash (the recipe asked for zucchini but they didn't have any where I get my produce). The last step is to add 2 fresh, firm tomatoes cut into wedges, or half-wedges. Then you reduce to a simmer on med-low heat and let it all come together for about 40 minutes.
It was sweet and delicious. The kids ate it all with no leftovers and they hate most of the ingredients! You can eat it like the vegetable stew that it is, or you can add it to tomato sauce and ladle it over pasta for a filling meal.
It's easy, cheap to make, and tastes great - especially on a colder day.
Today, I'm making a 10-bean soup with chicken and maybe some rice.
