Get your prep done before you start cooking. Cut the zucchini and eggplant. Core and chop the bell peppers. Finely chop the shallot and mince the garlic.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium high in a large heavy bottomed pan or Dutch oven. Add eggplant, and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until it starts to brown. Add the remaining oil, then trow in bell peppers, and cook for 3 minutes more. Finally, stir in zucchini.

Add garlic and shallot, stir to combine. Add salt, pepper and herbs de Provence. Cook for another 3 minutes until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, simmer over medium for 5 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften.

Stir in tomato paste, then add bay leaf and orzo. Stir to combine. Next pour in whole peeled tomatoes and the remaining chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil, reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 15 minutes or until the orzo is al dente and the vegetables are tender. Stir frequently to prevent orzo from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

When ready, taste and adjust salt. Stir in basil leaves. Simmer for 1 minute.

Finish off with black pepper. Enjoy!