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Saturday, January 19, 2013

Ratatouille

A sauce containing tomato puree, diced tomatoe...
Photo courtesy Wikipedia
   Wouldn't it just be awful to one day not be able to eat your favorite foods? My food passion is for bread. Bread of any kind will almost do - it's the texture, crust, chewiness and flavors. But many people have developed not only a food allergy to grains, some have gone so far as to take the "intolerance" to a level of serious health problems.
   That's why you hear so much about "gluten free" foods now. Three of my friends have gluten problems so I've been trying to keep on the lookout for recipes and new ideas. I have found one made from scratch recipe that is good for those with gluten problems - ratatouille. Yes, it sounds like the Disney movie and the ingredients are best fresh when the farmers have a bounty, but it's a flavorful French vegetable dish that is just good for you.



Ratatouille

Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil, or so
1-1/2 cups small diced onion
1 tsp.minced garlic
2 cups medium diced eggplant, skin on
1/2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
1 cup diced each red and green bell peppers
1 cup diced zucchini

1 cup diced yellow squash
1-1/2 cups peeled, seeded and chopped tomatoes
1 T.  sliced fresh basil leaves or 1 tsp. dried basil
1 T. fresh parsley leaves or 1 tsp. dried
Salt and pepper


Directions
Set a large 12-inch saute pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the onions and garlic to the pan. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are wilted and lightly caramelized, about 5 to 7 minutes. 


Add the eggplant and thyme to the pan and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is partially cooked, about 5 minutes. Add the green and red peppers, zucchini, and squash and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes.

 Add the tomatoes, basil, parsley, and salt and pepper, to taste, and cook for a final 5 minutes. Stir well to blend and serve either hot or at room temperature.
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