Preparation

• 1.

  Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

• 2.

  In a large bowl, combine the diced eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat the vegetables.

• 3.

  Spread the vegetables evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

• 4.

  While the vegetables are roasting, slice the French bread in half and toast it lightly until crisp.

• 5.

  Once the vegetables are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and adjust seasoning if needed.

• 6.

  To assemble the sandwich, layer a generous portion of the roasted vegetable mixture onto the bottom half of each bread slice. Top with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese if desired. Close with the top half of the bread.

• 7.

  Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious French Ratatouille Sandwich!