Description
Ratatouille is a vibrant and flavorful traditional French vegetable medley made with fresh zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. This wholesome, versatile dish can be served as a main, side, or sauce, perfect for any season. Simple to prepare with straightforward steps, Ratatouille offers a colorful and comforting meal that highlights the natural sweetness and depth of each vegetable.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into even rounds or bite-sized pieces
- 1 large eggplant, sliced into even rounds or bite-sized pieces
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced into even rounds or bite-sized pieces
- 4 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
Oils and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: splash of balsamic vinegar
Fresh Herbs
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 5–6 fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep Your Vegetables
Wash and slice the zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes into even rounds or bite-sized pieces for consistent cooking. Peel and finely chop onion and garlic to form the flavorful base. - Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat, then add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until translucent and fragrant, creating a savory foundation for your Ratatouille. - Step 3: Cook the Vegetables Separately
Sauté the slices of eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers one by one until lightly golden and tender. Cooking them individually helps each vegetable keep its texture and flavor vibrant without becoming mushy. - Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Once all vegetables are sautéed, combine them in the pan with the chopped tomatoes, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture gently simmer on low heat for about 20-30 minutes to meld the flavors together beautifully. - Step 5: Final Touches
Adjust seasoning to taste. For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle a little more olive oil or add a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving. Your Ratatouille is now ready to delight your taste buds!
Notes
- Uniform slicing: Cut vegetables evenly for consistent cooking times and presentation.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Sauté in batches to ensure vegetables brown nicely instead of steaming.
- Fresh herbs matter: Use fresh rather than dried herbs to brighten the flavor profile.
- Low and slow simmer: Let ingredients mingle gently to develop deep, harmonious flavors.
- Rest before serving: Allow Ratatouille to sit for a few minutes so flavors settle and intensify.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: ratatouille, french cuisine, vegetable medley, zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, tomatoes, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, healthy, easy recipe
