Easy Vegan Ratatouille

Name: Easy Vegan Ratatouille
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil (,(use water to saute for oil-free)); 1 large onion (diced); 4 cloves garlic (chopped finely); 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional but recommended); 1 large eggplant/aubergine (diced into ¾ inch pieces); 2 large zucchini (diced into ¾ inch pieces); 2 large bell peppers (deseeded & cut into ¾ inch pieces); 2lb (900g or about 8 large) fresh tomatoes (diced into chunky pieces); 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 teaspoons fine sea salt; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 fresh sprig (, or 1 teaspoon Herbs de Provence); 1 large bay leaf