Ratatouille with White Beans & Polenta

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and bell peppers, sprinkle with 1/8 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, 5 to 7 minutes. Add garlic and; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Transfer the vegetables to a large bowl.

2. Add 1 tablespoon oil to the pot. Add eggplant, sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring frequently, until browned in places, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with the vegetables.

3. Add another 2 tablespoons oil to the pot. Add zucchini, sprinkle with the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring frequently, until browned in places, 3 to 5 minutes. Add beans, cherry (or grape) tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, pepper and the reserved vegetables; stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, 8 to 10 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add polenta rounds and cook until golden brown on the bottom, about 5 minutes. Turn each slice and cook until browned on the second side, about 5 minutes more.

5. Stir capers into the ratatouille. Serve the polenta and the ratatouille topped with pine nuts.

Tips

Tips: Look for convenient tubes of precooked polenta in the pasta aisle or near refrigerated tofu at the supermarket.