CREAMY RATATOUILLE (VEGGIE STEW)

I  wasn't exactly sure what ratatouille was, other than a really cute movie with a rat named Remy who wanted to become a chef. http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/ratatouille/. However, when I stumbled upon "Doctor McDougall's Heath-Enhancing Recipe Book" in a used book store, I discovered a very simple recipe for ratatouille. Maybe a bit too simple? After following the recipe as is a couple of times, I decided to tweak it a bit and give it a bit more oomph! The end result was a delicious, creamy ,veggie stew aka ratatouille. Remy would be proud. :)

 INGREDIENTS:

1 large onion, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped into chunks

3 zucchini, chopped into chunks

All veggies chopped and ready to simmer!

1 large eggplant, chopped into chunks

All veggies chopped and ready to simmer!

1 clove of garlic, minced

1 28 oz can diced tomatoes in juice

1 tablespoon dried basil or 2 tablespoons fresh

1 tablespoon dried oregano or 2 tablespoons fresh

2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes or 4 tablespoons fresh

2 tablespoons plain Tofutti cream cheese

1-1 1/2 tablespoons arrowroot powder.

salt to taste

WHAT TO DO:

#1 Put all ingredients (EXCEPT the Tofutti cream cheese and arrowroot powder)! in a large pot or crock pot and cook until veggies are soft(about an hour).

 #2 Once the veggies are soft, collect some of the juice in a small bowl and add the arrowroot powder. whisk until smooth and pour back in the pot. (Start with 1 tablespoon of arrowroot and if you want it a bit thicker add another 1/2-1 tablespoon).

The final result, served over rice noodles. Mmmm!

#3 Add the Tofutti cream cheese , stir well.

The final result, served with rice noodles. Mmmm.

#4 Add salt to taste. Cover and simmer on low for a an hour or two more to let the flavours mingle.

Serve over quinoa, any kind of rice or rice noodles. Or eat it by itself!

NOTE: 

#1 If you suffer from arthritis, you might want to avoid this dish. Eggplant , peppers and tomatoes are all nightshades. These particular veggies are high in alkaloids which can cause inflammation in the joints.

#2 potatoes are nightshades too , booo!  But sweet potatoes are not!  yay!!