Basic Ratatouille

Name: Basic Ratatouille
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil, plus 2 tbsp; 2 medium eggplants, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 medium zucchini, cut into 1-inch cubes; 4-5 large cloves of garlic, minced; 1 large onion, diced (about 1-1/2 cups); 2 large bell peppers, red, yellow or orange, cut into 1-inch squares; 1-1/2 cup chopped and seeded fresh tomatoes (I used romas. the recipe says to peel them, I did not.); 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme (oregano is good as well); 2 x bay leaves; salt and pepper