Day 4: Ratatoullie

So we've been out on vacation for a few days and just got home last night. My daughter got hooked on the movie Ratatoullie and I started to wonder what the food tasted like. So I looked up a recipie and tried it. My fiance wasn't a big fan of it but I didn't think it tasted that bad. It's most definately something different and requires a particular taste. The positive side is... If you like this meal then it freezes/reheats great and even for a recipie serving 4-6, there's still plenty leftovers! I made this meal (serves 4-6) for under $20!

Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil ($4.98 -Walmart)
3 Cloves Garlic, Minced ($.25 -Walmart
2 Teaspoons Dried Parsley (I used fresh parsley $.88 -Walmart)
1 Eggplant, Cut into 1/2" cubes ($1.75 -Walmart)
Salt to taste
1 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese ($2.52 -Schnucks)
2 Zucchini, Sliced ($.93/lb @ 2lbs=$1.40 -Schnucks)
1 large onion, Sliced into rings ($.92/lb @ 1lb/$1.48=$1.36 -Walmart)
2 Cups fresh mushrooms, sliced (I bought a prewrapped and presliced box from the fresh produce section $1.98)
1 Green Bell Pepper (2 @ 1 for $.88=$1.76 -Walmart)
2 Large Tomatoes, Chopped ($1.37/lb @ 1lb/$178=$2.44)
2 Yellow Squash *OPTIONAL* ($1.15/lb @ 2lbs/$3.00=$1.73)
Total for this meal: $19.69! *Remember: All prices are from local stores, prices may vary in your city!*

Instructions:
1) Preheat oven to 350degrees F. Coat the bottom and side of a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish with 1 T olive oil.

2) Prepare ingredients. Cutting, minceing, sliceing, grating, exc.

3) Heat remaining 1 T olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.

4) Saute garlic until lightly browned. Mix in eggplant and parsley. Saute until eggplant is soft, about 10 minutes. Season with salt to taste.

5)Saute onions in pan after eggplant and parsley.

6) Spread eggplant mixture ,evenly (optional), across bottom of casserole dish. Sprinklw with a few tablespoons of parmesan cheese.

7) Spread zucchini in an ,even (optional), layer over the top. Lightly salt and sprinkle with a little more parmesan cheese.

8) Continue layering in this order: onion, mushrooms, bell pepper, and tomatoes. Cover each layer with salt and parmesan cheese.

9) Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Take lid off and replace dish in oven for an additional 15 minutes so the luquid evaporates and the cheese browns a little. Serve, best while still warm.

I hope you enjoy! Please tell me what YOU thought! Feel free to post a picture of your turnout or even tell me what you didn't like about it or why. Please remember though! This is my first time cooking and trying it as well, I can not guarentee any results or that you'll love it!

In the pan, fresh out of the oven:


On a plate, ready to serve: