Vegetarian Recipes - Ratatouille Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 large aubergines (coarsely chopped)

• 4 courgettes (coarsely chopped)

• Salt and pepper

• 150ml/1/4pt olive oil

• 2 onions (sliced)

• 2 garlic cloves (chopped)

• 1 large red pepper (coarsely chopped)

• 2 large yellow peppers (coarsely chopped)

• Fresh rosemary sprig

• Fresh thyme sprig

• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds (crushed)

• 3 plum tomatoes (chopped)

• 8 fresh basil leaves (torn)

Serves 4

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Method:

1. Sprinkle the aubergines and courgettes with salt, and then place them in a colander with a plate and a weight on top to extract the bitter juices. Leave them to stand for about 30 minutes.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large pan. Add the onions, fry gently for about 6 to 7 minutes, until just softened. then add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.

3. Rinse the aubergines and courgettes and pat dry with kitchen paper. Add to the pan with the peppers. increase the heat and sauté until the peppers are just turning brown.

4. Add the herbs and coriander seeds then cover the pan and cook gently for about 40 minutes. Add the tomatoes and season well.

5. Cook gently for 10 minutes, until the vegetables are soft but not too mushy. Remove the herb sprigs. Stir in the basil leaves and taste for seasoning.