Ratatouille Recipe

Ratatouille is a classic French Provençal vegetable dish that’s both flavorful and nutritious. It combines sautéed eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, simmered with garlic and herbs like thyme and oregano. The vegetables are gently cooked until tender, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. This dish is versatile, often served as a side or main dish, paired with crusty French bread or rice. Ratatouille bursts with Mediterranean flavors, making it a perfect, colorful vegetarian option for any meal. Garnished with fresh basil, it's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate!

Ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant (diced)
• 2 zucchinis (sliced)
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 yellow bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 4 ripe tomatoes (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced eggplant and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and golden. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the other vegetables: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the onions and garlic until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes, then stir in the zucchini. Continue cooking until all the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Combine with tomatoes and herbs: Add the chopped tomatoes, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf to the skillet. Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add back the eggplant: Once the tomato sauce is slightly thickened, add the cooked eggplant back into the pan and mix gently. Simmer for another 5 minutes to let all the flavors meld together.
5. Finish and serve: Remove the bay leaf, and taste to adjust seasoning. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired, along with crusty French bread or as a side dish.

Ratatouille Nutrition Facts (Per Serving: 1 cup, 200g)

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 14g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 3g
• Vitamin A: 35% DV
• Vitamin C: 80% DV
• Calcium: 4% DV
• Iron: 6% DV

*DV = Daily Value

Serving Suggestion:

Ratatouille can be served as a side dish, over rice, or even as a topping for grilled meats or fish. It’s a perfect vegetarian dish that bursts with Mediterranean flavors!