Summer Squash Ratatouille Recipes

RATATOUILLE OF SUMMER SQUASH AND TOMATOES

Steps:

• Cook the pasta according to package directions.
• While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large saute pan over medium heat and add the onion. It's important to keep the butter from browning. When the onion begins to turn translucent (after about 2-3 minutes), add the sugar and continue sauteeing the onion, stirring frequently, until it just begins to caramelize (about 5-7 minutes).
• Add the bell pepper, garlic and pine nuts and continue cooking over medium heat for another minute or so. Stir frequently to keep the garlic from browning.
• Add the squash and white wine, stirring to deglaze the pan and combine the ingredients.
• Mix the tomato paste and water until well-combined. After another minute or so, once the squash has begun to "wilt," add the tomatoes, oregano and tomato paste and water mixture, stirring to combine the ingredients and coat them with the tomato paste and water mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
• Stir in the basil just before serving.
• Serve over the pasta with a generous topping of Parmesan cheese.

SUMMER VEGETABLE RATATOUILLE

Steps:

• Heat 1 1/2 tablespoon of the oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until soft.
• In a large skillet, heat 1 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and saute the zucchini in batches until slightly browned on all sides. Remove the zucchini and place in the pot with the onions and garlic.
• Saute all the remaining vegetables one batch at a time, adding 1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet each time you add a new set of vegetables. Once each batch has been sauteed add them to the large pot as was done in step 2.
• Season with salt and pepper. Add the bay leaf and thyme and cover the pot. Cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Add the chopped tomatoes and parsley to the large pot, cook another 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally.
• Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning.

SUMMER SQUASH RATATOUILLE

Steps:

• 1. Slice onions and place in a large 6-8 quart dutch oven or stock pot. Mince the garlic and add to the pot with the olive oil. Saute over medium heat, just until the onions are slightly translucent and both onions and garlic have released their aroma. Turn off the heat.
• 2. Quarter squashes, then slice into 1" chunks. (Note- if they are slightly larger than recommended, remove some of the seeds, and try not to use squashes whose skins have "toughened", it will affect the overall texture.)Place in the pot with sauteed items.
• 3. Add the diced tomatoes, and sauce or puree. Add the basil, and the grated cheese, and about 1 1/2 tsp. of salt and 1/4 tsp of pepper (to start)
• 4. Stir gently to mix all ingredients. Simmer, covered, on a medium-low to medium heat for 30-25 minutes until the squash are tender when pierced with a fork. Check and stir frequently to insure it is not scorching or sticking to the bottom of the pan. Toward the end of the cooking time taste and adjust salt & pepper if desired.
• 5. NOTES-This makes a wonderful side dish to accompany most anything! When serving, if desired, top with a bit more grated cheese and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. I have also used it as a vegetarian main dish by serving over cooked, brown rice with a nice green/veggie salad. As I said before, if you have a lot of leftovers, it keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, and can also be frozen or canned with a water bath canning process. ** The leftovers, after being refrigerated, also make a refreshing cold summer soup by placing the ratatouille in a food processor and pulsing several times until it is pureed, but still slightly chunky!