It’s nippy out, and cold food sounds like a new kind of torture. But while I could happily eat hot biscuits all day, it’s probably healthier to start making warm soups and veggies. So last night I made ratatouille! And it was delish. Here’s what I did.
Ingredients:
2 medium sized eggplants
2 medium sized zucchinis
2 large tomatoes
1 large onion
3 cloves of garlic
olive oil
a sprig of rosemary
6 or so sprigs of thyme
extra sharp cheddar cheese
salt and pepper
How to make:
Early in the day, chop the eggplants into one inch pieces and pile in a strainer over a large bowl. Sprinkle liberally with salt and set aside for a few hours. This helps to draw out the bitterness in eggplant (choosing smaller eggplants also helps). When you’re ready to make your ratatouille, gently press excess moisture out of the eggplant cubes with a paper towel, and then throw out the liquid.
Chop the zucchini into half inch slices, and the tomato into one inch pieces. Pile together in a large casserole dish. Start heating the oven at 450, with the rack in the middle of the oven.
Chop the onion into small pieces and mince the garlic. Stick the onion and garlic in a frying pan with about three tablespoons of olive oil. Saute over medium heat until the onion is soft and translucent. Then add the eggplant cubes and saute together for about two minutes. Pour the whole mixture in with the zucchini and tomato.
Shake black pepper on top, along with the de-sprigged rosemary and thyme. Mix all together, adding olive oil if it feels too sticky. Then stick in the oven, covered, for twenty minutes. Then remove the cover and bake for an additional ten minutes.
While your ratatouille is filling your house with delicious smells, grate about a half cup of cheddar cheese into a bowl.
When your ratatouille is ready to serve, ladle it into bowls and sprinkle the cheese on top so the cheese melts all nice over the hot veggies. And voila! Delicious, hearty, and most importantly, warm.
Next time, I’m going to try the recipe with a warm, stewed polenta and some soft boiled eggs. Super yum.
