2021 Tour de France - Stage 11: Sorgues to Malaucène
Welcome to Provençe! Well, the Vaucluse department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of France...that’s a mouthful, isn’t it? Tonight, I made the classic vegetable dish: Ratatouille. It’s finishing up right now and the house smells absolutely amazing. My girls got inspired and decided to watch the Disney movie about the cooking rat. Whatever helps them eat their vegetables! They are actually pretty adventurous eaters. I’m so thankful I don’t have finicky children.
Since I’m making a classic, I thought I’d consult the OG: Jacques Pépin. While we will be having this after it cools slightly, apparently, he recommends that the dish can be eaten cold. Simply chop it all up and top with olives and extra-virgin olive oil. Dip in some crusty bread and you have a tasty appetizer. I will definitely try that out later this week.
Classic Ratatouille
from Essential Pépin, Jacques Pépin
1/2 cup olive oil
1 large eggplant, trimmed of the ends, 1-inch dice
3 medium zucchini, trimmed of the ends, 1-inch dice
2 onions, 1-inch dice
2 large green bell peppers, 1-inch dice
4 ripe tomatoes, cored, peeled and seeded, 1-inch dice
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup water
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Pour half of the oil into a large skillet and heat over medium. When the oil begins to shimmer, toss in the diced eggplant and brown, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a stove-proof casserole dish. Next, sauté the zucchini for about 8 minutes. Transfer to the casserole. Add the remaining oil to the pan, and stir in the onion and peppers. Cook for 6 minutes and transfer to the casserole.
Place the casserole full of vegetables on the burner. Toss in the tomatoes, garlic and water. Stir together to incorporate along with the salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then cover, reduce the heat to low and cook for an hour.
After an hour, remove the cover, return the heat to medium and sauté for 20 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Let the vegetables cool, uncovered, for about 30 minutes prior to serving.
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Copyright 2021, Brendan McCann, All Rights Reserved.
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