Hearty Ratatouille

My Grandpa came up with this recipe after eating something similar at a restaurant on Melrose Ave in Los Angeles. He constantly revising it so I’m not sure at what stage this recipe was written down but its delicious nonetheless. Grandpa LOVES food and is where I think I inherited my same love for the culinary arts. This recipe is hardy and comforting and I love to eat it when I’m hungry and in the mood for something fortifying. I added the ground turkey to the recipe to make it stick to your bones that much more.

My husband is NOT one for reheating already prepared dinners. Its funny because there will be all sorts of delicious already prepared meals in the fridge but he’ll just eat cereal or some bread with cheddar cheese melted on top in the microwave. (Don’t ask). But when I made this ratatouille he actually would return to the fridge for seconds, thirds, fourths etc. He cracks me up. If I take something out of the fridge, say leftover lasagna, and heat it up for him – he’ll eat it. Otherwise its too daunting. So basically this recipe is good enough to overcome the exhausting task of reheating food! Enjoy!

Grandpa’s Ratatouille with Ground Turkey

2 Cloves Garlic Minced

1 Pound Ground Turkey

2 Medium Zucchini

2 Medium Yellow Crooked Neck

½ Large Green Bell Peppers

½ Large Red Bell Pepper

2 Medium Yellow Onions

1 Tsp Basil

1 Tsp Oregano

½ Tsp Cayenne Pepper

Salt & Pepper

1 Large Can Diced Tomatoes

French Bread

Parmesan Cheese

Heat large skillet with 2 Tbsp of oil. Add minced garlic cloves and add to oil sauteing briefly. Add ground turkey and saute with garlic until turkey is cooked. Take off heat and set aside.

Slice all vegetables into bite size pieces but not too small. Add two Tbs olive oil to a large pot and heat on medium high – add vegetables. Add 1 Tsp basil, 1 tsp oregano. Stir all together and cook until slightly tender. Add large can chopped tomatoes and stir. Add turkey mixture including all pan juices. Add 1 Tbs Salt, a ½ Tsp Cayenne and Pepper to taste. Cover with lid and simmer until tender.  Serve on toasted French Bread with parmesan. Enjoy!

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