What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade ratatouille is a dish that will make you feel like a gourmet chef in your own kitchen, and it’s simpler than you think. Packed with fresh, colorful veggies and rich flavors, it’s a meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, with just a few simple steps and ingredients you probably already have. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a main course, side dish, or even as a topping for pasta or rice. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any seasonal vegetables, making it a budget-friendly option that’s perfect for any occasion.
Recipe
Ratatouille is a classic French Provençal dish made with fresh summer vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, slow-cooked to perfection. It’s a hearty, flavorful, and healthy dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish.
Ingredients:
1 medium eggplant, diced
2 medium zucchinis, diced
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
4 large tomatoes, diced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the diced eggplant and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the zucchini and bell peppers, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, thyme, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes:
Ratatouille tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Equipment:
Large pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon
Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: French
Serving: 4-6
Nutrition
Ratatouille is a nutritious and flavorful dish packed with vegetables and herbs. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving.
Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Sodium: 300mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 4g
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my ratatouille with crusty bread—it’s perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices. A fresh salad with a simple vinaigrette adds a crisp, invigorating contrast to the hearty dish. These sides make the meal feel complete and keep things light yet satisfying.
Crusty Bread Pairings
When you’ve got a hearty bowl of ratatouille ready, there’s nothing quite like a slice of crusty bread to round out the meal. I love tearing into a warm baguette, its crispy exterior giving way to a soft, chewy center. It’s perfect for soaking up all those rich juices from the stew. A rustic sourdough or a seeded whole-grain loaf also works wonders, adding a bit of texture and nuttiness. Sometimes, I’ll even toast a slice and rub it with garlic for a bit of extra flavor. Trust me, it’s a combo that never disappoints!
Fresh Salad Options
Though ratatouille is already packed with veggies, a fresh salad on the side can brighten up the meal with some crunch and zing. I love tossing together a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette—it’s tangy and peppery, balancing the richness of the stewed vegetables. Another favorite is a classic tomato and cucumber salad with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of feta. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add toasted nuts or seeds for extra texture. These salads are quick to make and bring a revitalizing contrast to the hearty ratatouille, making the whole meal feel complete.
