- ½ pound peeled sweet potato, cut into ½-inch dice
- ½ pound crimini mushrooms, halved
- 1 cup fennel, white part only sliced thin
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into thick slices on the bias (about 6 ounces)
- ½ pounds green beans, trimmed and quartered
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup Vidalia onions, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, sliced
- ¾ pound zucchini, trimmed and cut into thick quarter moons
- ¾ cup jarred red roasted peppers, drained and diced fine
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup merlot or other red wine
- 1 6-ounce can tomato juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 2 ounces fresh baby spinach
- Prepared polenta (optional for serving), prepared according to package instructions