[Homemade] Ratatouille

My first time making ratatouille -significantly- exceeded my expectations.

Ingredients:

• Onions

• Garlic

• Olive oil

• Yellow pepper

• Homemade tomato paste

• Lemon juice

• Liquid smoke

• Fresh herbs (basil, rosemary, thyme)

• Spinach

• Carrots

• Zucchini

• Yellow zucchini

• Eggplant

• Roma tomatoes

• Panko breadcrumbs

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Herbes de Provence

• Red chili flakes

• Fresh rosemary

• Fresh basil

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

• Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until golden brown.

• Add diced yellow peppers and stir frequently.

• Incorporate homemade tomato paste, lemon juice, liquid smoke, and fresh herbs.

• Layer the sauce, spinach, and shredded carrots in a baking dish.

• Arrange sliced vegetables (soaked in lemon juice overnight) on top.

• Sprinkle with additional carrots, olive oil, salt, black pepper, herbes de Provence, red chili flakes, and fresh rosemary.

• Cover with foil and bake at 320°F for 40 minutes.

• Uncover and continue baking for another 40 minutes.

• If the dish is too watery, simmer on low heat uncovered to reduce excess liquid.

• For a crispy finish, add a layer of panko breadcrumbs and broil until golden brown.

• Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.