Traditional French Ratatouille

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Gather the ingredients.

2. Step 2

   Place a single layer of paper towels on 2 large plates. Put the cubed eggplant onto the plates and sprinkle with 1 3/4 teaspoons of the salt. Allow the eggplant to sit for 20 minutes; this process is known as degorgement , in which the salt extracts liquid from the eggplant, and the liquid is then absorbed by the paper, making the dish less soggy. 

3. Step 3

   In a large saucepan, gently cook the tomatoes, garlic, black pepper, basil, and parsley, uncovered, over medium heat. Do not boil the vegetables, as this will turn them into a soggy mess; cooked slowly, each of the vegetables will remain distinct.

4. Step 4

   In a large skillet, sauté the onions and bell peppers in a small amount of olive oil over medium-high heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are lightly browned. Remove the skillet from the heat, and transfer the browned vegetables to the tomato mixture.

5. Step 5

   Pat the eggplant dry with a fresh paper towel and add it along with the zucchini and yellow squash to the tomato mixture.

6. Step 6

   Cover the pot and cook the stew over low-medium heat for 45 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Add the white wine and remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Enjoy.