Back-Burner Ratatouille

Ingredients

• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 zucchini, scrubbed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 yellow squash, scrubbed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 eggplant, scrubbed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, or to taste
• 1 pinch garlic powder, or to taste
• 1 pinch ground black pepper, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon tomato paste (optional)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

Pour diced tomatoes into a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-low heat; add zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, and onion; stir once. Sprinkle salt over vegetables. Bring mixture to a boil and simmer until the vegetables start to cook down, 10 to 15 minutes; stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper to taste.

Cook uncovered over medium-high heat until the sauce has reduced and vegetables are tender, about 1 hour, stirring often. (Or if preferred, cover pan and cook over low heat 2 to 3 hours. ) Stir in tomato paste and adjust seasonings. Drizzle with olive oil just before serving.