Oven-Roasted Ratatouille

IN THE PERFECT RATATOUILLE, the flavors are blended, yet each vegetable remains distinct. The vegetables are neither mushy nor undercooked. Despite the fact that ratatouille is traditionally cooked on top of the stove, roasting can bring you closest to perfection. Because roasting is a dry-heat process, the vegetables can be well cooked without steaming into mush. How well the flavors are blended is the test of your cooking skills. But here is a tip: let the ratatouille stand at room temperature for an hour or two to allow the flavors to blend. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.

SERVES: 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 medium-size eggplants (about 3 pounds), peeled and cut into ⅓-inch dice
• 2 medium-size zucchini, diced
• 2 medium-size yellow summer squash, diced
• 2 medium-size onions, diced
• 1 medium-size green bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium-size red bell pepper, diced
• 8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 28-ounce can peeled Italian tomatoes, with their juice
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon capers, drained

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly oil two large shallow roasting pans or two half sheet pans.
2. In a large bowl, combine the eggplant, zucchini, summer squash, onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Add the oil, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss to coat. Arrange in a single layer in the pans.
3. Place the pans on the middle and lower racks of the oven. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes, until the vegetables are lightly browned and tender, occasionally stirring or shaking the pans and rotating them for even cooking.
4. Cut the tomatoes into 1-inch pieces or use your hands to break them up. Place in a large bowl along with their juice. Add the roasted vegetables, basil, and capers. Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding salt and pepper as needed.
5. If possible, allow the ratatouille to stand for up to 2 hours.
6. Serve at room temperature or reheat gently to serve warm.