How to make ratatouille

Despite the popularity of the movie of the same name, ratatouille neither contains, nor has ever been made by, rats. It is, however, a popular showcase for garden fresh summer vegetables.
You Will Need
* A large skillet
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 5 tbsp. olive oil
* 1 eggplant, peeled and diced into 1/2" cubes
* 1 large zucchini, diced
* 1 c. Crimini or button mushrooms, sliced
* 4 to 6 ripe plum tomatoes, diced
* 1 tbsp. fresh oregano
* 1 tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
* 1/4 c. fresh basil
* 1/2 tsp. fennel seeds
* Salt and pepper to taste
* A bottle of rosé wine
* A baguette

Step 1: Heat oil
Place the skillet on medium low heat and add two tablespoons olive oil.

Step 2: Cook onions and garlic
Add the onions and cook over low heat for about two minutes. Stir the onions, add the garlic, and continue cooking until onions are soft and translucent, another minute or two.

Step 3: Cook eggplant
Add two more tablespoons of olive oil to the pan and turn the heat to medium. Add the chopped eggplant and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is soft, about six to eight minutes.

Step 4: Cook zucchini and mushrooms
Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and stir in the zucchini and mushrooms. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for another five to seven minutes.

Step 5: Add tomatoes and spices
Add the chopped tomatoes, oregano, thyme, and fennel seeds and continue to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the entire mixture is tender.

Step 6: Season salt, pepper, and basil
Season with salt and pepper generously, and stir in the fresh basil leaves. Cook for another minute or so until the basil is very fragrant. Adjust the seasoning until it’s to your taste.

Step 7: Serve
Serve as a side dish or as a main dish along with a chilled rosé and a crusty baguette and voila you have the makings of a perfect French provincial meal.