Servings: 4

3 to 4 large tomatoes, stem end removed; peeled in step 1 3 to 4 large tomatoes, stem end removed; peeled in step 1
 
Olive oil, extra-virgin Olive oil, extra-virgin
1 medium onion, cut in half and sliced 1 medium onion, cut in half and sliced
 
1 medium to large zucchini squash, sliced 1 medium to large zucchini squash, sliced
1 medium Japanese eggplant, sliced 1 medium Japanese eggplant, sliced
1 handful of young green beans or Chinese Long Beans, cut into 2-inch lengths 1 handful of young green beans or Chinese Long Beans, cut into 2-inch lengths
4 large garlic cloves, peeled and sliced thin 4 large garlic cloves, peeled and sliced thin
Chicken stock or broth, (optional) Chicken stock or broth, (optional)
 
Coarse salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste Coarse salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
Oregano leaves and flowers* Oregano leaves and flowers*
Thyme sprigs Thyme sprigs
Pinch saffron Pinch saffron
Several shakes of Zatar (optional)** Several shakes of Zatar (optional)**

Blanch tomatoes in 4-cups of water and remove the skins. If you've never done this, google it; pretty simple.
In a large saute pan over medium-high heat, saute onions and olive oil until onions begin to soften.
Add zucchini, eggplant, garlic and green beans, and salt. Optional: If the vegetables seem dry, add a little chicken broth. Loosely cover and cook until just soft. Use your judgment. If they're too mushy and you don't like them, you done overcooked it!
Add the peeled tomatoes, oregano, thyme, saffron, and Zatar; toss well, replace lid, and turn heat to low and finish cooking.
Taste for seasoning and correct to your taste. If desired, drizzle a little more olive oil over vegetables prior to serving.

Fresh oregano is preferred for this recipe. If you have fresh, include the flowers.  Fresh oregano is preferred for this recipe. If you have fresh, include the flowers.
Zatar is a popular spice/herb blend of the Middle East and is used in many Turkish dishes. Crushed Sumac, thyme leaves, salt, and sesame seed.  Zatar is a popular spice/herb blend of the Middle East and is used in many Turkish dishes. Crushed Sumac, thyme leaves, salt, and sesame seed.