“French Veggie Harmony”

Provencal Vegetable Medley

Embrace the rich, vibrant flavors of the sunny South of France with this Provencal Vegetable Medley, a dish that brings the essence of French countryside meals to your table. This dish harmoniously blends the complexities of various vegetables, enhanced with fragrant herbs, to create a soulful, satisfying meal. Perfect for a delightful family dinner, this recipe is a celebration of the bountiful harvest that adorns the Provencal markets, elevating humble, fresh ingredients to a gourmet experience.

Ingredients

• 1 eggplant, diced
• 2 zucchinis, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 2 onions, chopped
• 3 tomatoes, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 sprigs of thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 45 ml olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

Method

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
• Add the chopped bell peppers and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Incorporate the diced eggplant and sliced zucchinis. Cook for 10 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
• Add the diced tomatoes, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Once the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well-mingled, remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf.
• Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.

Tips

• For a richer flavor, let the dish cook longer and add a splash of olive oil towards the end of the cooking process.
• To add a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish.
• Serve with a fresh baguette to soak up the delightful juices of this vegetable medley.

Nutritional Information