Ratatouille is a popular dish that includes summer vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, onions, and squash. It is a healthy Italian dish that will provide a perfect light dinner or lunch for just two.
To make this dish you will need: olive or vegetable oil, 1 small red or green bell pepper – onion coarsely chopped, 1 clove of garlic – minced, aubergine – diced, zucchini – diced, yellow summer squash – diced , 1 tomato – chopped fresh parsley, oregano, dill, pepper and grated Parmesan cheese.
In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil over medium high heat. When the oil is hot, add the minced bell pepper, 1/2 cup of the minced onion and the minced garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, 2 to 3 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
Add 1 1/2 cups diced eggplant, 1 cup diced zucchini, and 1 cup diced summer squash. Cook, stirring constantly, for 5 to 7 minutes until crisp-tender.
Add the chopped tomato, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon dill, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Cook until all ingredients are heated through. Remove from the heat and serve on two plates. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Makes 2 servings.
Bonus Recipe: Salad Bar Stir Fry
To prepare this dish, you will need: 4 cups of hot cooked rice or noodles, sesame oil, 8 cups of assorted fresh vegetables, cut (broccoli, cherry tomatoes, carrots, bell peppers, pea pods, onions and mushrooms, etc.), water, bottle of stir-fry sauce, shelled sunflower seeds (optional).
Prepare rice or noodles according to package directions.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add chopped vegetables that are firm such as: broccoli, carrots, celery, onions, bell peppers and pea pods and cook, stirring constantly, for 4 minutes.
Add medium firm vegetables such as: mushrooms, bean sprouts and zucchini and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add 3 tablespoons of water. Reduce heat to medium then cover skillet and cook another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add 1/2 cup of the sauté sauce and your tender greens like: tomatoes and spinach. Cook and stir until everything is completely hot. Remove from heat and sprinkle with sunflower seeds. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
Makes 4 servings.
