1 6-ounce sourdough baguette, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 small eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
1 small zucchini, halved lengthwise and diced
1/2 medium red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
3 small plum tomatoes, seeded and coarsely chopped (about 1 cup chopped)
1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup shredded fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
3 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded Fontina cheese (or mozzarella)
Freshly ground black pepper
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a large ovenproof skillet (a 12- to 14-inch skillet is ideal), heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the slices of bread and toast them for about 2 minutes on each side, or until light golden-brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil until shimmering. Add the onion and cook until just translucent, about 5 minutes. Fold in the eggplant, zucchini, red bell pepper, and tomatoes; the pan will feel very full at this point, but everything will cook down and then feel much less crowded. Continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until vegetables are just tender. Fold in the olives, salt, basil, and thyme. Scoop half of the tomato mixture out into a separate bowl and set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs with the milk, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Lay the slices of toasted bread on top of the tomato mixture in the skillet. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Spoon the other half of the tomato mixture on top of the slices of bread. Pour custard mixture over the top, and sprinkle the fontina on top of that.
Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 35 to 38 minutes, or until the custard seems set and the top of the strata is golden-brown. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes to cool a bit before serving.
Originally published June 2015.