French Ratatouille Vegetable Stew

Name: French Ratatouille Vegetable Stew
Cuisine: European, Mediterranean, French
Ingredients: 1 medium eggplant, diced; 2 zucchini, sliced into rounds; 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped; 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped; 1 large onion, chopped; 4 medium tomatoes, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried thyme or a handful of fresh thyme; 1 bay leaf; Fresh basil leaves, for garnish; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste