Ratatouille with White Beans

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium eggplant, large diced
• 2 medium zucchinis, large diced
• salt and pepper
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 2 medium tomatoes, large diced
• 1 bell pepper, large diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 15.5-ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• ¼ cup basil leaves, thinly sliced
• 1 cup dry quinoa
• grated Parmesan cheese, to garnish (optional)
• red pepper flakes, to garnish (optional)

Method

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the eggplant and zucchini, season generously with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 3-5 minutes.5 min timer
2. Transfer the cooked vegetables to a large bowl and then add back in the remaining olive oil. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes or until slightly browned and then add in the garlic and thyme and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes, peppers, cooked eggplant and squash, bay leaf, apple cider vinegar, and gently stir.5 min timer
3. Raise the heat to high to bring the mixture to a simmer and then turn down to a medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Uncover and simmer for 15 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover and simmer for 20 to 25 more minutes. In the last 5 minutes, add the beans and stir. You can let this cook for up to an hour to really melt the vegetables, but I find 30-40 minutes is the sweet spot for texture personally. Remove the bay leaf and stir in the basil. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper.15 min timer
4. While ratatouille cooks, cook the quinoa. Place the quinoa and 2 cups of water in a medium pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy. When done, fluff with a fork and set aside, covered to keep warm.20 min timer
5. Divide the quinoa into bowls and top with ratatouille. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if using. Serve.