Shelly's Recipe

RATATOUILLE SUPREME WITH PEPPER JACK

Category: Squash

1 small baguette, cut into 1⁄4-inch-thick slices
6 tbsp olive oil
3 large onions, sliced
6 cloves garlic (5 chopped, 1 whole)
2 lbs eggplant, trimmed and cubed
1 lbs zucchini or yellow squash, trimmed and cubed
1 lb cherry tomatoes, halved
1 large sprig fresh rosemary
1 1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary leaves
Olive oil for brushing
2 cups shredded pepper Jack cheese

Preheat oven to 400F. Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast in oven for 3 to 5 minutes or until pale golden. Set aside.

In a large skillet, heat 3 tbsp of the oil over medium heat. Add the onions; cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden, stirring occasionally. Add the chopped garlic; cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the remaining 3 tbsp oil, the eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, rosemary sprig, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir for 5 minutes. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook about 25 minutes more or until vegetables are fork-tender.

While the mixture cooks, chop the remaining garlic clove; set aside. Uncover the pan and increase heat to medium-high. Cook about 10 minutes or until the mixture thickens. Remove the rosemary sprig. Stir in the remaining garlic, the basil, lemon juice, and chopped rosemary.

Preheat the broiler. Transfer the vegetable mixture to a 2- to 3-quart casserole dish. Arrange the toasted baguette slices over top. Brush the bread with additional olive oil. Top evenly with pepper Jack cheese. Broil 4 to 5 inches from heat for 1 to 2 minutes or until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted.

Servings: 6