Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a large pot as you prepare them. Peel eggplant and dice into 1/2" cubes. Split and quarter zucchini and yellow crookneck, than dice into 1/2" pieces. Remove tough stem and seeds for both peppers and dice into 1/2" pieces. Add the water, tomato paste and V8 Juice and mix well. Add the garlic and the spices and mix again. Heat pot on medium/high for a few minutes until just ready to boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cover. Stir periodically to prevent burning. Cook at least 1 hour, a long simmer enhances the flavor.

Serve over pasta, rice, potatoes, wheat berries, lettuce, or alone. Keeps quite well in the icebox. OPTIONAL M**T STYLE USING TVP 1 cup TVP ( large chunk size ) 1/2 cup boiling water 1/4 cup tamari 1/4 cup Mirin

Mix TVP, tamari and mirin together in a bowl. Pour boiling water over it and mix. Let stand about 15 to 20 minutes, mixing several times. Drain and add to the ratatouille pot about 30 minutes into the simmer.

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