Ratatouille

I was inspired to make this dish by the movie "Ratatouille". I loved the movie and just had a curiosity in mind about what this dish could be.. Being in India, i had never heard about this dish before. So i finally found a reason to try out this recipe..

A little info about this dish from Wikipedia, "Ratatouille" is a traditional French Provençal stewed vegetable dish, originating in Nice. The full name of the dish is ratatouille niçoise.

It was originally an everyday dish prepared in the summer with fresh summer vegetables. The original Ratatolha de Niça or Ratatouia Nizzarda used only zucchini (courgettes), tomatoes, green and red peppers (bell peppers), onion, and garlic. The dish known today as ratatouille adds eggplant (aubergine) to that mixture.

The original "What do we have in hand?" recipe: You combine vegtables, herbs and olive oil in various proportions and cook them on the stove or in the oven until very soft. Since its widely considered a dish from Provence, zucchini ( and/or eggplant) and tomatoes are frequently present, but there are really very few rules here, except longis, slow cooking and lots of good olive oil; herbs help too.

Recipe goes like this..

Ingredients
1 Eggplant, sliced 1/2 inch thick
1 Large Onion, sliced
1 Zucchini, trimed and cut into large chunks
3 Tomatoes, chopped
1 red or yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded and sliced
5 tbsp Extra virgin Olive oil
1 tsp Dry Rosemary
1 tsp Thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 Cloves Garlic, peeled and chopped
Few fresh Basil leaves

Method

In a large heavy non stick skillet over medium heat add the oil, the onions and garlic, cook for 5 minutes.

Add the rest of the ingredients (except basil), cook covered and stirring occasionally, over medium heat, adjusting the heat so that the mixture simmers in its own juices without browning. Cooking time will be just a litle shorter, perhaps 45 minutes or so and then uncovered until it's nice and thick.


Add basil leaves, mix well and serve.

Ratatouille is usually served as a side dish accompanied by rice or bread or can be used as a filling for savory crepes or to fill an omelette, but also may be served as a meal on its own.
Enjoy!!