Ratatouille
Ingredients:
1. Brinjal 1 (190g) cut into cubes
2. Zucchini 1 (190g) cut into cubes
3. Summer squash 1 (190g) cut into cubes
4. Red bell pepper 1 (120g) de-seeded and cut into cubes
5. Yellow bell pepper 1 (120g) de-seeded and cut into cubes
6. Tomato 500g
7. Cherry tomatoes 50g
8. Onion 100g roughly chopped
9. Garlic 15g finely chopped
10. Olive oil 5tbsp (divided)
11. 5-6 basil leaves
12. Dry oregano 1tbsp
13. Salt and black pepper
Method:
For Tomato Sauce-
In a sauce pan add 1.5 ltrs of water and bring it to boil. Place the tomatoes in the boiling water for 20 seconds for blanching. Meanwhile keep the ice-water ready. After 20 seconds immediately place the tomatoes in ice-water. Peel the tomatoes and roughly chop them. Place the chopped tomatoes in a saucepan. Cook the tomatoes in medium heat until it becomes soft. Add some salt, little black pepper, oregano. Pinch the basil leaves and add to tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Let it cool and blend to make tomato sauce.
We will cook all the vegetables separately first. Heat the pan on medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Add onion and sauté for a minute. Add garlic and sauté for few seconds. Add little salt and sauté for one more minute and take out in a bowl. The onion should not be browned. In the same pan heat 2 tbsp oil and add brinjal cubes. Stir for a minute. Add salt and pepper and continue cooking for 6-7 minutes stirring in-between. Take out
in a bowl. Clean the pan and heat 1tbsp oil in medium heat. Add both bell peppers and cook for 2 minutes. Add salt and cook for another 2 minutes stirring in-between. Take out in a bowl. In the same pan heat 1tbsp oil and add zucchini and summer squash. Stir for 2 minutes. Add salt and black pepper. Continue cooking for 4 minutes and take off the heat.
Cooking Ratatouille:
Take a saucepan and add all the cooked vegetables (onion, brinjal, bell peppers, zucchini, summer squash) and lightly mix. Add the prepared tomato sauce and lightly mix. Place the saucepan in sim for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add cherry tomatoes and lightly mix. Let it simmer for 5 more minutes or until all the vegetables are cooked well. Do not overcook. The vegetables should not be mushy. Garnish with chopped coriander or parsley.
Enjoy!
