Vegetable Hash from la Mancha

his dish is also known as ratatouille in other countries, but it was invented in Spain, more concretely in the La Mancha region (hence its name). It’s assumed that this plate was made with whatever vegetables were on hand. Although many different vegetables can be used, I stick to those used originally: tomatoes, peppers both red and green, and a bit of zuccini. They were accompanied by fried eggs (by those who had eggs) and by fried bread.

I believe this is a well-rounded dish that we can use to teach our children to eat vegetables, since they’re sure to enjoy dipping the bread in the egg and eating the rest.

How to prepare the vegetable mash from la Mancha
Peel the onions and garlic, as well as the zuccini and remove the seeds from the peppers. Chop all the vegetables into small pieces. Grate the tomatoes.

Heat 3 tablespoons of virgin olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and when they’ve softened add the zuccini, the peppers an the garlic.

Lower the heat in order to slow cook for a few more minutes. Add the tomato and a pinch of sugar to the mix.

Let simmer until the vegetables are tender. This should take about 20 minutes. Taste and salt as needed.

In another pan heat up enough oil to fry 4 eggs. When they’re done set them atop the hash.

Fry sandwich bread in the same oil and serve alongside the dish.

Serve either hot or warm, according to taste.

Note: Ingredients must be fresh. Frozen supermarket vegetables won’t work. Don’t be lazy when it comes to chopping your own vegetables.