Cut the ends off each zucchini and cut them in half lengthways. Then, cut them into strips and then into 1” chunks.
Peel the eggplant, and then cut it the same way as you did the zucchini.
Cut the ends off the pepper and remove the seeds. Cut into thin strips.
Cut the tomatoes in half, remove seeds, and cut into quarters.
Peel and smash the garlic.
Peel the onions and chop them finely.
The Ratatouille
Turn burner onto low.
Measure and add the oil to a large saucepan; allow oil to heat up.
Add onions into the large saucepan. Cook them over low heat for about 10 minutes, until the onions are soft and lightly browned.
Measure and add the tomato paste to the onions, stir together.
Measure and add the vegetables, garlic, seasoning, herbs (except basil), salt and pepper to the onions in the pan. Stir everything well.
Turn heat up to medium. Cook the ratatouille (stirring occasionally) on medium heat for about 3 minutes. Then turn down the heat, so that it is bubbling gently.
Put a lid onto the pan. Lift the lid and stir it every now and then. Cook the ratatouille for 20 minutes, then remove the lid and cook it for 5 minutes
Remove from heat and stir in the basil.
Serve into shallow bowls and garnish with basil. Enjoy!
Soak corn husks in a bowl of water for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse well. Pat dry and set aside.
Place 5 cups of the corn kernels in a food processor. Process until coarsely pureed.
Combine the pureed corn, masa harina, lukewarm water, baking powder, salt and vegetable oil in a large bowl. Mix until well blended. Set aside.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil medium heat. Add pepper, onion and red pepper flakes. Saute for 7-10 minutes, or until vegetables are soft.
Transfer the vegetables to a food processor. Add tomatillo, jalapeno, garlic, lime juice, cilantro and salt. Process until smooth.
Place a soaked corn husk on a flat surface.
Place 3 tablespoons of the masa mixture in the center of the corn husk.
Flatten the masa mixture with your hand. Form a small well in the center of the mixture.
Add 1 tablespoon of sautéed vegetables to the well.
Fold the long side of the corn husk over the filling to cover. Fold over the ends so that they overlap.
Tie with a thin strip torn from an extra soaked husk.
Repeat to make 40 tamales in all.
In a large saucepan, bring 2-3 inches of water to boil. Place tamales on a perforated rack and position just above the water. Cover and steam for 1-1.5 hours, or until masa mixture is firm.
