Ratatouille

We've all seen the movie. The Pixar cartoon about the cute little rat that wants to become a chef. I particularly enjoyed it, not only because I think Pixar movies are sheer genius, but also because the whole plot revolves around the relationship between chef and restaurant critic. Of course ever since I've seen the movie I've been obsessed with creating the perfect ratatouille, the French peasant dish that eventually wins over the heart of the -aparently heartless- restaurant critic. Last night I made a pretty good one, even though I say so myself. So here it is: the perfect side dish to make when you have a lot of vegetables sitting around the kitchen.

RATATOUILLE:

1 small eggplant (not those giant, flavorless ones, please...)
2 small zucchini
1 onion
4 cloves of garlic
1 red bell pepper
1 can of good quality chopped tomatoes, such as Del Monte
Salt and pepper, to taste
Extra virgin olive oil
Fresh thyme
Fresh marjoram
Fresh oregano

Coarsely chop all the vegetables and mince the herbs.

In a large dutch oven pour a couple of tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and gently saute the sliced garlic and onions, until tender. Add eggplant and zucchini and cook for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly. Add bell pepper, tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add minced herbs, cover and cook on low for 5 minutes more. Serve as a side dish or as a main course with slices of bread.