Hearty Mediterranean Ratatouille

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• Four medium cloves of garlic, chopped
• 2 cups onion, chopped
• One bay leaf
• One medium eggplant, cubed
• 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 1/2 tsp dried basil or 3 tbsp fresh basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano or 2 tsp fresh oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary or 1 tsp fresh rosemary
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh thyme
• One medium zucchini, cubed
• Two medium bell peppers, chopped.
• Fresh ground black pepper
• Five medium-large tomatoes (blanched & skin removed; see note) or 1 14 1/2 oz canned tomatoes
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp capers or minced olives
• 1/4 – 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper seeds
• Fresh parmesan cheese