This great "Ratatouille with Black Beans" is one of our family's best kept vegetarian crock pot recipe secrets. Nothing brings good times and good friends together like delicious food made with love.
Ingredients
3 cloves garlic minced
1 yellow onion, cut into ½-inch pieces
3 small Italian eggplant, peeled and chopped into ¾- to 1-inch pieces
Sea Salt and black pepper to taste
1 red pepper, seeded and cut into ¾- to 1-inch pieces
1 yellow pepper, seeded and cut into ¾- to 1-inch pieces
1 orange pepper, seeded and cut into ¾- to 1-inch pieces
2 small zucchini, cut into ¾-inch pieces
1 can (15 to 20 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups crushed tomatoes
¼ cup fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
½ to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Directions
Heat 1 1/2 tablespoon oil in skillet on medium-low.
Then add garlic and onion and cook for 3-4 minutes or until translucent.
Add eggplant, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Turn heat to low and cover.
Cook until eggplant is tender, 5-6 minutes.
Pour into the crock pot.
Add peppers, zucchini, and black beans to slow cooker.
Combine tomatoes, basil, thyme, pepper flakes, and remaining 2 tablespoons oil in medium bowl.
Blend and pour into crock pot.
Stir together all ingredients.
Cover; cook on low for 6 - 8 hours or on high for 4 - 5 hours or until vegetables are tender.
Adjust seasonings.
Garnish with basil, if desired.
