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If you have been following me on my Insider’s Community Ezine,FacebookorInstagram, you know that I am a huge fan of local, seasonal produce! One of my favorite excursions is to my local farmer’s market to pick up a wealth of fresh locally-grown organic veggies! While summer may be winding down and transitioning into fall, there is still a bounty of delicious fresh, local food to be found at the farmer’s market. Eggplant is abundant at this time of year at my local market and has a wealth of delicious benefits!
Eggplant
Eggplant or aubergine comes in a variety of colors ranging from white to green to deep purple. It is packed with phytonutrients which soak up free-radicals in the body, protecting us from oxidative stress. Choose shiny, firm eggplants with the fuzzy green cap tightly attached. The flesh should give a bit when pressed gently and the skin should be smooth and shiny without wrinkles.
You can season this versatile veggie in a variety of ways. Try using it instead of lasagna noodles for a grain-free alternative to this classic Italian favorite. Or sauteit with Moroccan spices. Eggplant is also great when sliced and grilled.
A classic way to utilize late-summer veggies such as eggplant is in a traditional Provençal Ratatouille.Ratatouille was invented by Provençal peasants and melds the flavors ofeggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, bell pepper, onions, and garlic. Because they veggies cook at different rates, a few simple steps ensures each is presented in its optimal state.
This hearty Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegandish can be eaten on its own or used to top somegluten-free pasta, atop chicken or eggs or combined with lentils or beans for a filling meatless meal! The leftovers are also delicious and a great addition to your non-toxic lunchbox 🙂
Simple | Pure | Whole Provencal Ratatouille
Dr. Jennifer Weinberg MD MPH MBE
Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, VeganThis hearty Provencal dish can be eaten on its own or used to top somegluten-free pasta, atop chicken or eggs or combined with lentils or beans for a filling meatless meal!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 2-3 cups assorted cherry tomatoes sliced in half
- 1 large or 2 small eggplants cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 large yellow onion roughly diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic peeled and smashed
- 2 red orange or yellow bell peppers, seeded and diced in large chunks
- 2 large zucchini or summer squash roughly diced in large chunks
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano chopped
- 3 tablespoons organic virgin olive oil
- sea salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Toss the diced eggplant with 1 teaspoon sea salt and allow to drain about 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350F.
Spread diced tomatoes on a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake until roasted ~30 minutes, stirring a few times.
Pat dry the eggplant and place in a large pot with some olive oil. Cook over medium heat until golden, stirring frequently to avoid sticking. Add onions and cook until soft. Add garlic and continue to cook. Stir in peppers and summer squash and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. Add roasted tomatoes and cook until all vegetables are soft and cooked but not mushy. Add fresh herbs and salt to taste.
Enjoy warm or at chilled.
How do you enjoy eggplant? Do have a favorite recipe for enjoying eggplant?
If you enjoy this Simple | Pure | WholeTM recipe and want more allergy-friendly healthy options, check out my Glorious Greens for Great Health virtual workshop and cookbook and these free Simple | Pure | WholeTMrecipes!If you havenot already joined, I would love to have you as part of myfree Insider’s Communitywhere you will receive wellness resources, news and opportunities along with aspecial free gift!Get yourFREE Chapters from The Whole Cureand purchase your copy of thepaperback or Kindle edition today on Amazon!
This post was shared with: Motivation Monday, Meatless Monday with Tina Muirand Confessions of a Mother Runner, Tuesday’s Table,Two Cup Tuesday, Fat Tuesday,Summer Family Fun Party, Create & Share DIY Recipe Party, Waste Not Want Not Wednesday,Allergy-Free Wednesday, Crafty & Delicious Party, Full Plate Thursday,Create It Thursday, Family Fun Friday, Gluten-Free Friday, Weekend Retreat, Real Food Friday,Friday Five Features,Healthy Happy Green & Natural Party
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