Market Umbrella is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3), based in New Orleans, whose mission is to cultivate the power of farmers markets to drive economic and community health in the region. Market Umbrella has operated the Crescent City Farmers Markets (CCFM) since 1995.
Recipe
Ratatouille
Who doesn't love ratatouille? (The movie and the meal!) While it may sound like a very intimidating dish, it's actually not that challenging to make. Classic ratatouille is made up of eggplant, tomatoes, squash, and zucchini, making it the perfect dish to celebrate the taste of summer. Beautiful and healthy, you can't go wrong! If you don't have the patience to slice all of the veggies into thin disks, you can chop them up into chunks for a modified dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time. Enjoy!
Ingredients
Veggies
- 2 eggplants
- 6 Roma tomatoes
- 2 yellow squashes
- 2 zucchinis
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, from 8-10 leaves
Herb Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, from 8-10 leaves
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
Preheat the oven for 375˚F (190˚C).
Slice the eggplant, tomatoes, squash, and zucchini into approximately ¹⁄₁₆-inch (1-mm) rounds, then set aside.
Make the sauce: Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch (30-cm) oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, and bell peppers until soft, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then add the crushed tomatoes. Stir until the ingredients are fully incorporated. Remove from heat, then add the basil. Stir once more, then smooth the surface of the sauce with a spatula.
Arrange the sliced veggies in alternating patterns, (for example, eggplant, tomato, squash, zucchini) on top of the sauce from the outer edge to the middle of the pan. Season with salt and pepper.
Make the herb seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together the basil, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Spoon the herb seasoning over the vegetables.
Cover the pan with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover, then bake for another 20 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
Serve while hot as a main dish or side. The ratatouille is also excellent the next day--cover with foil and reheat in a 350˚F (180˚C) oven for 15 minutes, or simply microwave to desired temperature.
Enjoy!
About Us
The Crescent City Farmers Market operates weekly year-round throughout New Orleans. The CCFM hosts 70+ local small farmers, fishers, and food producers, and more than 150,000 shoppers annually.