Ratatouille can be described as a vegetable stew. This Ratatouille is a hearty and thick vegan vegetable stew. Classic Ratatouille includes eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, red onions and herbs. This recipe is different in that it includes all of the classic ingredients plus fennel, bay leaves, and harissa (to give it a kick).
I’ve also included kidney beans for extra protein. Serve with quinoa or rice on the side and a hunk of fresh bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 small red onions (quartered and sliced thin)
1 yellow bell pepper (cut into thin 1½-inch strips)
1 red bell pepper (cut into thin 1½-inch strips)
1 large fennel bulb (trim and slice thin)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
2 medium zucchini (washed and cut into ½-inch rounds)
1 medium eggplant (peeled and cut into ½-inch dice)
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
4 sprigs fresh thyme
4 sprigs fresh oregano
2 bay leaves
½ teaspoon gluten-free harissa paste
1 cup water
1 15-ounce can kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
Salt and pepper to taste
Zest of 1 lemon
Directions:
Heat oil in large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, and fennel, and sauté five to seven minutes, or until vegetables are translucent. Stir in garlic, then zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, thyme, oregano, bay leaves, harissa paste, and water. If you like it spicy, use at least one teaspoon of harissa. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 25 minutes.
Add kidney beans, cover, and cook for 15 minutes more. Add salt and pepper to taste and garnish with lemon zest before serving.
Chef Randy’s latest book: Ojai Valley Grill It Cookbook: vegetarian and vegan recipes and tips for successful grilling with color photos on Sale at AMAZON
For additional recipes, see Chef Randy’s website at valley-vegetarian.com.
Chef Randy has been a vegetarian for over 40 years and eats local and organic grain, fresh fruit, and vegetables as much as possible. He is known locally as the “Healthy Chef.” His column, Chef Randy, is syndicated in California newspapers. See his website at Valley-Vegetarian.com for more recipes.
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