Ratatouille

There was a dramatic change in weather out here while I was in vacation for just a week.　Ratatouille is a perfect dish on summery days, served either warm or chilled.

It is delicious on its own but also goes well with sautéed chicken, grilled fish, omelets, pasta, etc.


Ratatouille
Ingredients:
5 slices bacon
5 cloves garlic
1 large onion
3 zucchini (or yellow squash)
2 bell peppers (red, yellow or orange)
1 eggplant
3 vine ripe tomatoes
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup basil leaves
Salt and pepper


Directions:

Slice the bacon into strips. Mince the garlic, and dice the onion, zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant and tomatoes.

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the bacon, garlic and onion for 5 minutes.

Stir in the bell peppers and zucchini, and continue to cook for 5 minutes.

Add the eggplant, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 5 minutes. If the vegetables look dry, do not hesitate to add more olive oil.

Stir in the tomatoes. Cover with a lid, turn the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 20 minutes.





Roughly chop the basil (or tear by hand) and add to the pot. Salt and pepper to taste.