Instructions: 8 SERVINGS DAIRY-FREE

When you pour a thick layer of polenta over ratatouille and bake it, you end up with a delicious pot pie. Covering the dish during baking helps keep the polenta soft rather than crusting over. Serve with a salad of mixed greens.

In large ovenproof Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 6 minutes. Add remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons oil, eggplant and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring often, 3 minutes.

Add bell pepper and garlic and cook, stirring often, until eggplant begins to soften, 6 to 7 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and zucchini. Cover partially, reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring often to prevent sticking, 10 minutes.

Add parsley, tomato paste, vinegar, basil, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Simmer, uncovered, 3 minutes. Remove from heat, smooth top with a spoon and cool 1 hour.

Meanwhile, make soft polenta. As soon as it is quite thick but still pourable, immediately scrape warm polenta over ratatouille, spreading evenly with spoon.

Let cool 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375F. Cover Dutch oven with lid or foil and bake until heated through, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand, covered, 10 minutes before serving.

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