recycled thoughts in sagamore hills

Rats & Lizards

Our family went to see Disney/Pixar's Ratatouille last weekend; everyone loved it, and we were suprised at the mixed reviews from critics. WTF, did they want John Ratzenberger to be the voice of the rat or something?


Anyway, dd & I were inspired to make our very own ratatouille, which we learned is a French peasant stew in real life. We looked up a couple of recipes, then bashed them make it both fancy and vegan.

Pretty Ratatouille

1 med zucchini, cut into coins
1 med yellow squash, cut into coins
1 sm eggplant, cut into coins

Pour 2 T EVOO in the bottom of round baking dish (quiche dish). Lay coins in overlapping circles in the bottom of the dish, alternating so they look really beautiful.

1/2 red onion, diced fine
1/2 sweet pepper, diced fine
4 cloves garlic, peeled & chopped
1 can organic tomato sauce, no salt (or homemade tomato puree)
fresh basil, torn (green, not blue)
black pepper
sea salt

Pour 1/4 C EVOO in into a medium-size skillet and heat on med-high. Sautee onion, pepper, and garlic until onion is tranparent and the kitchen smells really good. Add the tomato sauce, basil, pepper & salt (to taste), and simmer for 10-15 min.

Pour the tomato sauce carefully over zucchini/squash/eggplant, so you don't ruin your pretty design. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes at 350 degrees... sprinkle with vegan white cheese (or parmesano/reggiano) and serve.

Sorry, I didn't think to take a picture before we devoured it; I'll make again this weekend, after I get some more veggies.

* * *

Regarding lizards, the Winking Lizard, a local pub chain in northeastern Ohio, now has a roasted veggie wrap on the menu that is wicked awesome... red onion, squash, big mushrooms, red peppers, cheese (optional), and tasty Italian spices... great with onion rings. So, there is something you can get other than a Boca burger or a house salad with no corned beef or cheese... :) Life is good.

Labels: eating out, Ratatouille, recipes, Winking Lizard

posted by nikitee @ 1:48 PM