SUMMER SQUASH RATATOUILLE

Summer Squash Ratatouille image

A family favorite for many years...and here by request of my 8 month pregnant daughter...who pretty much gets whatever she asks for from her momma at this point! It's a recipe I came up with many years ago to put to use the huge glut of squash our family garden always produced. This is quick & easy to prepare and can be varied...

Provided by Cheryl Kopcak

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 10

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Ingredients

2 medium summer squash (10-14
2 medium zucchini squash (10-14
1 large onion, peeled and sliced thin (about 1/4
1 can(s) (28 oz.) diced tomatoes
1 can(s) (15 oz.) tomato sauce or tomato puree
1/2 c fresh basil, chopped (or 2 tbs dried basil)
1/2 c grated parmesan or romano cheese (plus some for sprinkling on top)
2 large cloves of fresh garlic, minced
2 Tbsp olive oil
salt & pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Slice onions and place in a large 6-8 quart dutch oven or stock pot. Mince the garlic and add to the pot with the olive oil. Saute over medium heat, just until the onions are slightly translucent and both onions and garlic have released their aroma. Turn off the heat.
2. Quarter squashes, then slice into 1" chunks. (Note- if they are slightly larger than recommended, remove some of the seeds, and try not to use squashes whose skins have "toughened", it will affect the overall texture.)Place in the pot with sauteed items.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, and sauce or puree. Add the basil, and the grated cheese, and about 1 1/2 tsp. of salt and 1/4 tsp of pepper (to start)
4. Stir gently to mix all ingredients. Simmer, covered, on a medium-low to medium heat for 30-25 minutes until the squash are tender when pierced with a fork. Check and stir frequently to insure it is not scorching or sticking to the bottom of the pan. Toward the end of the cooking time taste and adjust salt & pepper if desired.
5. NOTES-This makes a wonderful side dish to accompany most anything! When serving, if desired, top with a bit more grated cheese and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. I have also used it as a vegetarian main dish by serving over cooked, brown rice with a nice green/veggie salad. As I said before, if you have a lot of leftovers, it keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, and can also be frozen or canned with a water bath canning process. ** The leftovers, after being refrigerated, also make a refreshing cold summer soup by placing the ratatouille in a food processor and pulsing several times until it is pureed, but still slightly chunky!