Ratatouille

Name: Ratatouille
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 large (1.25 lb) eggplant, cut into 1/3-inch cubes; Salt; 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving; 2 medium zucchini (about 1 lb), cut into 1/3-inch cubes; 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 1 red, orange or yellow bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice; 5 large cloves garlic, chopped; 5 large vine-ripened tomatoes (1.75 lb), cut into 1/3-inch cubes, with their juices; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 teaspoons fresh chopped thyme, plus more for serving; 3/4 teaspoon sugar; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil