Delicious Roasted Vegetable Medley

This roasted vegetable medley is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together a variety of colorful, fresh ingredients. The stars of the recipe include eggplants, zucchinis, and a trio of bell peppers, which are beautifully roasted to enhance their natural sweetness and flavor. Fresh rosemary and thyme add an aromatic depth to the dish, while garlic and onions provide a savory backbone. Olive oil ensures a rich, satisfying texture, and the option to season to taste with salt and pepper makes the dish customizable. This recipe is a fantastic choice for a healthy, plant-based meal option that doesn’t skimp on taste. With just a bit of preparation and a short cooking time, you can whip up this delightful vegetable medley in little over an hour. Ideal as a main for lunch or a side for dinner, it complements a wide range of main courses. Not only is it simple to make, but it's packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for any day of the week. Enjoy the vibrant colors and robust flavors, and consider experimenting with different seasoning combinations to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 300g Eggplant
• 300g Zucchini
• 1 Red Bell Pepper
• 1 Green Bell Pepper
• 1 Yellow Bell Pepper
• 300g Tomatoes
• 2 Onions
• 2 Cloves of Garlic
• 7 tbsp Olive Oil

Spices and Seasonings

• 1 tsp Fresh Rosemary
• 1 tsp Fresh Thyme
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Preparation Time

• Total time: 65 minutes (Preparation: 20 minutes, Cooking: 45 minutes)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables by washing, drying, and cleaning them thoroughly.
2. Slice the eggplants into pieces and sprinkle with salt to draw out any bitterness. Let them sit for a moment.
3. Cut the zucchini into rounds, ensuring they are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
4. For the bell peppers, cut each into quarters, remove the seeds and inner membranes, then slice into thin strips.
5. For the tomatoes, blanch them quickly to remove the skins, then deseed and dice them into small cubes.
6. Prepare the onions and garlic by peeling and slicing the onions finely, and mincing the garlic.
7. Finely chop the fresh herbs, rosemary and thyme, after rinsing and drying them.
8. After allowing the salt to work on the eggplants, pat them dry with a paper towel.
9. In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and sauté the eggplants until they are golden and soft. Remove from the pan.
10. Sauté the zucchini and bell peppers separately in 2 tablespoons of olive oil each until they achieve a light, golden color.
11. In the remaining oil, cook the onions and garlic until translucent and aromatic.
12. Layer the cooked vegetables in a large pot, starting with the eggplants at the bottom.
13. Over each layer, sprinkle salt, pepper, onions, garlic, and herbs to infuse the flavors thoroughly.
14. Once all the vegetables have been layered, cover the pot and let it simmer on medium heat for 20 minutes without stirring.
15. After simmering, stir gently, and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
16. Serve warm or at room temperature, mixing gently before serving to incorporate all the flavors.

Tips

• Choose ripe vegetables for the best flavor profile.
• If fresh herbs aren't available, use half the amount of dried herbs.
• Avoid stirring too much during cooking to maintain the vegetables' shape.
• Consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.

Nutrition

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Fats: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 20g

Variations

• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Vegan version: Ensure no butter is used; olive oil provides all the necessary richness.
• Add cheese like feta or parmesan on top for an additional layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crusty baguette for a complete meal.
• Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for extra protein.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and freshness.

Best Places

1. Chez Panisse - Known for its dedication to local, organic produce. Location: 1517 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, USA.
2. Le Bernardin - Offers a refined experience with a focus on fresh ingredients. Location: 155 W 51st St, New York, USA.
3. Noma - World-renowned for its innovative take on seasonal cuisine. Location: Refshalevej 96, 1432 Copenhagen, Denmark.
4. Central - Celebrates Peruvian ingredients through beautifully crafted dishes. Location: Av. Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco, Peru.
5. Gaggan - Fuses traditional Indian flavors with modern techniques. Location: 68/1 Soi Langsuan, Ploenchit Road, Thailand.
6. The Ledbury - Known for its inventively prepared dishes and fresh produce. Location: 127 Ledbury Rd, London, UK.
7. White Rabbit - Offers a panoramic view along with Russian artisanal cuisine. Location: Smolenskaya square, 3, Moscow, Russia.
8. Eleven Madison Park - Offers a multi-course tasting menu inspired by native New York ingredients. Location: 11 Madison Ave, New York, USA.
9. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal - Combines historical British culinary ideas with modern flavors. Location: 66 Knightsbridge, London, UK.
10. Arpège - Alain Passard's vegetable-centric restaurant. Location: 84 Rue de Varenne, Paris, France.