+ oil free ratatouille (naturally vegan) +

While I absolutely LOVE munching on raw veggies, it is nice to have a cooked veg-packed meal in the evening. I especially feel the comfort it offers after a long a stressful day at work. This recipe used to be one of my favorites, however, my Mom always made her version with bacon and more oil, so I - of course - had to give it a low fat plant-based makeover. 

   

The traditional recipe is Hungarian, but it is almost identical to the French ratatouille. This one is closer to the latter, as I used eggplant and zucchini as well. I have been drowning in work lately, and I do a little more workout these days, so I need to feel my belly with delicious vegan food at the end of the day. This recipe a perfect summer savory, light and satisfying. Here's how it goes: 

Ingredients: 

• 10-15 sweet yellow peppers or 7-8 yellow bell peppers, sliced into rings
• 5 sweet capia peppers or 2 red bell peppers, sliced into rings 
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 1 medium eggplant, cubed
• 500 g yellow onions, finely chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can/jar of tomato puree (salt-free, acid-free)
• 1 cup water
• 2-3 tomatoes, cubed
• white or black pepper, to taste
• 1-2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• dried marjoram, to taste
• fresh basil, roughly chopped

Instructions: 

Lightly water-sauté the onions over low heat in a big pan. I usually start with a dry pan and add a little water if needed. When the onions are translucent, add the chopped tomatoes along with a little fresh cracked pepper and steam for a few minutes with the lid on. Now it's time to add the garlic and tomato puree, with a cup of water, stir and cook until slightly reduced. After about 10-15 minutes, add the zucchini and the eggplant and steam for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce a little more. Lastly, add the sliced peppers, stir well, and steam under the lid over low heat, until the veggies are tender, but not mushy. Season with the herbs, stir and cook for another 2 minutes so they release their flavor. Serve with brown rice or steamed and baked potatoes, or by itself for a very light meal. Bon Appétit!