If you are looking for a great way to use up a large quantity of summertime tomatoes and veggies then this dish is the one.  I had loads of peppers, zucchini, carrots and tomatoes, and I knew it would take a few days to use them all, but these veggies were ready to be had ASAP.  I decided to make a giant pot of Indian stew . I also wanted this to be a saucy dish as I had soooo many tomatoes.  Indian Ratatouille, is the name the kids gave this stew. 

I added some protein like paneer (or you can add tofu) that way it became a one-pot meal.  

Make a giant pot and save the leftovers to have the next day.  And if you don’t have the veggies I used, this recipe is extremely versatile! Use whatever veggies you like – cauliflower, eggplant, squash, potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, beans – any veggie goes in this dish!!  Give it a try!

Indian Ratatouille
makes a large pot of stew for 6-8 people

Ingredients:

• 3-4 zucchini cut into chunks
• 3 bell peppers cut into chunks
• 3 carrots diced into small pieces so they cook fast
• 2 onions finely cut
• 2-4 Fresh tomatoes diced
• 6 cloves garlic minced
• 1 inch piece of ginger finely grated
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• 1 lemon
• Salt
• Oil
• 1 block paneer cut into small pieces. Sauté the paneer with 1 tbsp oil until slightly browned and keep aside.  Or use extra firm tofu and do the same.
• Spices:
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 2 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala or curry powder (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder or paprika

Directions:

• In a large pot warm 2-3 tbsp of olive oil. Add the onions and garlic and cook until caramelized. About 5-7 minutes.

• Next add all the spices and stir in.

• Add the tomatoes, carrots, salt, plus 1-cup water. Cover the pot and cook the carrots until tender and tomatoes are soft and release their juices. About 10 minutes.

• Next add all the peppers, zucchini, and paneer.  Add 1-cup more water and stir. Cover and cook the veggies for an additional 7-10 minutes until all the veggies are cooked to your liking.

• Turn the stove off. Add juice of 1 lemon and garnish of fresh cilantro before serving.