Ratatouille is a vibrant, delicious vegetable dish originating from Provence, France. It’s a perfect blend of summer vegetables, infused with aromatic herbs, and slow-cooked to create a mouthwatering, flavorful dish. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for a traditional French Ratatouille.
Ingredients:
- 2 eggplants, diced
- 2 zucchini, diced
- 2 peppers (red and yellow, seeded and diced)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tomatoes (chopped) or 1 can of tomatoes (400g)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp basil (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
Preparation:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Dice the eggplant, zucchini, and peppers into even cubes.
- Chop the tomatoes (fresh or canned) into small pieces.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan or casserole dish over medium heat.
- Add the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add More Vegetables:
- Add the eggplant cubes to the pan and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden brown.
- Then, add the peppers and zucchini, continuing to sauté for another 5-7 minutes until they are lightly browned.
4. Add Tomatoes and Spices:
- Add the chopped tomatoes, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf (if using) to the pan. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Lower the heat and simmer the vegetables over low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well blended.
5. Season and Garnish:
- Once the vegetables are cooked, remove the bay leaf (if used).
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired and taste again for seasoning, adjusting if needed.
Serving:
Serve your ratatouille as a main dish with rice, bread, or as a delicious side to meat or fish. The flavors deepen as it rests, making it perfect for leftovers!
Enjoy your hearty, vegetable-packed ratatouille!
