Main Dish: Ratatouille

Ratatouille
--(perfect with all those summer garden veggies!)

¼ c. olive oil
2 c. onion, chopped
4-6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
2 medium-size eggplants, cubed
¼ c. dry red wine
¼ c. tomato paste, stirred into 1 c. water
¼ c. chopped fresh basil
½ t. dried oregano and chopped fresh rosemary
2 c. red bell peppers, chopped into large pieces
3 c. zucchini (or yellow squash), cubed
3 large tomatoes, cut into chunks
Grated Parmesan or other cheese optional)
Black pepper and salt to taste

--Heat olive oil in a large soup pot
--Add onions and sauté them for 5 minutes. Add garlic and bay leaf; sauté for 1 minute.
--Add eggplant, wine, tomato paste/water, basil, oregano, rosemary, salt and pepper. Mix well, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
--Add peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes. Add a bit more water, if necessary. Simmer in the covered pot until all the veggies are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
--Top with your favorite cheese and fresh parsley (optional).