ratatouille

if you haven't made this, yet (or ever) this is what you need to make for dinner tonight. it's perfect for this rainy weather. it's perfect for all those summer veggies you have on the countertop. it's perfect as leftovers tomorrow morning with a poached egg. i have somewhat perfected my ratatouille recipe and add a little something to it. the french may be appalled, but it always gets rave reviews. so here it goes. . .

clementines's ratatouille
2 (or 1 large) eggplants, cut crosswise and sliced thin
(peel if using a typical italian, but i am using a japanese eggplant that has very thin skin)
1 zucchini, cut crosswise and sliced thin
1 yellow squash, cut crosswise and sliced thin
1 onion, quartered and sliced thin
3-5 minced garlic cloves
1/4 c. olive oil
2 cans/jars diced tomatoes, drained or the equivalent in chopped, fresh, heirloom tomatoes (about 4-5 cups)
S&P
1 large bunch of basil, chiffonade
1/4-1/2 container of emeril's organic vegetable broth*
1 red pepper, sliced into thin strips

for the vegetables to cook evenly and properly, meaning not completely disintegrating into mush, it is very important to cut your eggplants and summer squashes into similar lengths and widths.
first, heat your olive oil. then add onion, garlic, and red pepper. cook until just about softened. then add your eggplants, squashes, & tomatoes. let cook for a few minutes, stirring well, to distribute heat evenly. cook until the eggplant and squashes are beginning to soften. then add the broth and season. you want to add enough broth to fill about halfway up the vegetable mixture. let simmer on med-low for about 15-20 minutes. just before serving adjust your seasoning, if necessary, and stir in basil.

we eat it with goat cheese on top and crusty bread on the side. if you have a big meat eater, like mike, italian sausages are great with it or roasted chicken. or an egg. sounds weird, but don't knock it 'til you try it. it's great!
*i use this because i think it tastes the best and is usually the cheapest vegetable broth at the store.