Prep all the vegetables before you start cooking.

Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the eggplant and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until soft and starting to brown, 1-12 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan (no need to clean it). Add the zucchini and yellow squash and cook, stirring frequently, until tender crisp, 3-4 minutes. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and transfer to a plate; set aside.

Add the cooked eggplant to the pan; bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, and simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes or until the eggplant is soft. Add the zucchini and squash and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more, or until just warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Sprinkle with fresh basil and thyme, drizzle with a little olive oil if desired, and serve warm or chilled.

With a little imagination, there are endless ways to serve ratatouille. Try it:

- As a vegetarian main course over grains or polenta
- Alongside roasted or grilled meats and fish
- Shakshuka-style with poached eggs
- Tossed with pasta
- Folded into omelets or frittatas
- Dolloped over crostini with goat cheese
- Straight from the fridge as a snack (it’s delicious cold)