Simple Ratatouille Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Introducing this ratatouille recipe, how can we not talk about the animated movie Ratatouille? In the film, the rat Remy dreams of becoming a great French chef and is obsessed with ratatouille, a traditional French dish. And why not? Ratatouille is a delicious, colorful, and healthy dish that will please everyone.

But beyond its association with the beloved movie, ratatouille is a staple of French cuisine that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a humble yet flavorful dish that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cooking. Made with a variety of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and simple seasonings, ratatouille is a celebration of the flavors and colors of summer.

Ingredients

• 1 eggplant, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 yellow squash, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil
• 1 can (14 oz or 397g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons (30g) tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon (3g) dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon (3g) dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

• Prepare the vegetables: Wash and dice the eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, and onion. Mince the garlic cloves.
• Saute the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced vegetables and cook for 10-12 minutes or until they are tender.
• Add the garlic and seasonings: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Simmer the ratatouille: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the ratatouille for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.
• Serve the ratatouille: Once the ratatouille is fully cooked, you can serve it hot with crusty bread or over a bed of rice.

Tips

• Make sure to cut the vegetables into similar sized pieces so that they cook evenly.
• If you don’t have all of the vegetables listed, you can substitute with other vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, or even potatoes.
• To add more flavor to the ratatouille, you can saute the vegetables in batches instead of all at once. This will create a deeper caramelization and add more depth to the dish.
• Ratatouille tastes even better the next day, so you can make it ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.
• If you want a smoother texture, you can blend the ratatouille in a blender or food processor before serving.
• Ratatouille is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or a main dish. You can also use it as a topping for pizzas or as a filling for omelets.

Ratatouille is not only a flavorful and satisfying dish, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Packed with a variety of colorful vegetables like tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, ratatouille is rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Its combination of vegetables provides essential nutrients for overall well-being, making it a great choice for athletes and those seeking a nutritious meal. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a side dish, ratatouille is a delicious way to incorporate a range of vegetables into your diet while promoting a healthy lifestyle.

There you have it, a delicious and easy ratatouille recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends. This colorful and healthy French classic is perfect for any occasion and is a great way to celebrate the flavors of Provence. So, go ahead and give it a try, and let us know what you think!