A French Vegetarian Dish - Ratatouille; by Once Upon a Chef

Have you ever tried Ratatouille? The famous and delicious
French vegetarian dish is a must try!

This unique recipe by the highly skilled Once Upon a Chef is healthy, flavorful, and super easy to cook. 

Ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant, cut into 1/3-inch cubes
• Salt
• 6 tbsp Hiç Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil, plus more for serving
• 2 medium zucchini, cut into 1/3-inch cubes
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 red, orange or yellow bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 5 large cloves garlic, chopped
• 5 large vine-ripened tomatoes, cut into 1/3-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped thyme, plus more for serving
• 3/4 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes 
• 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil

Directions: 

• Heat 3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the eggplant and season with 1/4 tsp salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until soft and starting to brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Place in another plate and set aside.
• Add another tbsp of extra virgin olive oil to the pan. Add the zucchini and cook, stirring frequently, until tender-crisp, 3 - 4 minutes. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and transfer to a plate; set aside.
• Add two more tbsp of olive oil to the pan and add the onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and continue cooking for about 3 minutes more. Do not brown. 
• Add the tomatoes and their juices, tomato paste, thyme, sugar, crushed red pepper flakes and 3/4 tsp salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are broken down into a sauce, 8 - 10 minutes. 
• Add the cooked eggplant to the pan; bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, and simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes or until the eggplant is soft. 
• Add the zucchini and cook for 1 - 2 minutes more, or until just warmed through. Sprinkle with fresh basil and thyme, drizzle with a little olive oil if desired, and serve warm or chilled. 

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