Cajun Ratatouille

Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins Preparation Time: 1 hr Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 10
• 2 medium globe eggplants, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for seasoning)
• 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 medium celery rib, with leaves chopped
• 2 scallions, chopped ( and green part)
• 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning (use salt-free)
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes in tomato puree
• 2 medium zucchini, cut in half lengthwise, then crosswise into 1/2-inch lengths

Recipe

• 1 toss the eggplant and salt in a colander; let drain in a sink for 30-60 minutes; rinse well with cold water; pat the eggplant dry with paper towels.
• 2 meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large pan over medium heat.
• 3 add in the onion, celery, scallions, bell pepper, and garlic; cover.
• 4 cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender (about 12 minutes).
• 5 sprinkle with the cajun seasoning and stir well; stir in the tomatoes with their juices and bring to a boil.
• 6 decrease the heat to low; simmer, uncovered, stirring often, until the sauce has reduced slightly (about 25 minutes); keep the sauce warm.
• 7 position racks in the center and top third of the oven; preheat to 425°; lightly oil 2 baking sheets.
• 8 toss the eggplant with 2 tablespoons oil on one oiled baking sheet and spread in a single layer.
• 9 toss the zucchini with 2 tablespoons oil on the other baking sheet and spread in a single layer.
• 10 bake the eggplant and zucchini, stirring occasionally, for 45 minutes, until lightly browned and tender.
• 11 add to the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer; cook 5 minutes.
• 12 season with salt to taste; transfer to a serving dish and serve hot.