Squash stew fit for "gagootz"

SQUASH STEW FIT FOR "GAGOOTZ"(Makes 6 to 8 servings)

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 to 1 1/2 cups onion, diced

2 to 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 quart prepared tomato sauce

2 to 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs such as oregano, thyme, rosemary or basil

1 bay leaf

1/2 cup pitted black olives

6 cups diced squash, such as a peeled cucuozza or zucchini with skins left on

Salt and pepper

Pinch cinnamon

1 (15.5 ounce) can beans, such as cannellini, drained



In a deep pot with a fitted lid, saute onions in olive oil over medium-high heat about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Add garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, herbs and the bay leaf; reduce heat to a simmer, uncovered, for about 30 minutes. You want the sauce to reduce a bit and become more concentrated.



Add the olives, cucuzza, salt, pepper and cinnamon and bay leaf. Simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes, until cucuzza is tender and translucent. Add beans and cook for about 5 minutes.

Serve with a poached egg or over polenta.

Squash stew fit for "gagootz"