Ratatouille and Sausage Potpie With Cornmeal Biscuits

Preparation

1. FOR THE CORNMEAL BISCUITS

   1. Step 1

      For the biscuits: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Fold in the sour cream. Gently knead mixture until it comes together in a ball, adding a drop or two of milk if necessary. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

   2. Step 2

      For the ratatouille: In a bowl, toss eggplant and zucchini with 5 tablespoons oil; season with ¾ teaspoon salt and ¾ teaspoon pepper. Spread vegetables in a single layer on one or two large baking sheets (do not crowd vegetables). Transfer to oven and roast, tossing occasionally, until golden, about 20 minutes.

   3. Step 3

      Meanwhile, in a large, deep, preferably oven-proof sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Crumble sausage into pan and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer sausage to a paper towel-lined plate.

   4. Step 4

      Return pan to medium heat and add remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Stir in the onion, pepper, garlic and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and thyme sprigs; simmer gently until tomatoes are cooked and mixture is stew-like, about 10 minutes. Stir in the sausage, roasted vegetables and parsley. If you are not using an oven-safe pan, transfer mixture to a 2-quart gratin dish or baking pan.

   5. Step 5

      Divide biscuit dough into six equal balls. Use your palm to flatten each ball into a ½ -inch-thick disk. Arrange on top of ratatouille mixture. Brush biscuits lightly with milk.

   6. Step 6

      Transfer skillet or pan to oven and cook until biscuits are golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.