Step 1

Wash the eggplant and zucchini and cut off the ends. Leave the skin on. Cut them into 1-inch cubes. There should be about nine cups of eggplant cubes and six cups of zucchini.

Step 2

Peel the onions and cut into half-inch dice. There should be about one and one-half cups.

Step 3

Core, seed and devein the bell peppers, and cut them into one-inch pieces.

Step 4

Heat the olive oil over high heat in a large heavy casserole or Dutch oven with a lid. Add the eggplant and zucchini. Sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables start to brown, about five minutes.

Step 5

Add the onions, bell peppers and garlic. Cook, stirring, over high heat, about two minutes. Add the tomatoes and tomato paste, and stir to blend. Add the bay leaf, thyme, herbs de Provence and capers. Add a bit of salt and black pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and simmer gently for 30 minutes.