Chickpea Ragout

Ingredients

• 2 tbsps parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp leaves dried oregano
• 1 g hot pepper flakes, pinch
• 1 dash salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups cubed eggplant
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 1 cup chopped zucchini
• 1 can tomatoes, diced
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 1 medium sweet red pepper, diced
• 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil over medium heat; fry eggplant, red pepper, onion, garlic, salt and hot pepper flakes, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 8 minutes.
2. Stir in tomatoes, chickpeas and tomato paste; cover and simmer until thickened and vegetables are softened, about 15 minutes.
3. Stir in parsley and grated parmesan (optional). Serve with polenta or with chicken.
4. Note: recipe from "Canadian Living" magazine.