What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade ratatouille is a flavorful dish that brings the taste of summer to your table, no matter the season. You’ll love how simple it is to make while still being packed with vibrant flavors. Its colorful presentation makes it perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself, and the mix of fresh vegetables guarantees it’s both healthy and satisfying. Plus, it’s versatile—enjoy it as a side, main, or even a topping for pasta or bread!
Recipe
Ratatouille is a classic French vegetable stew that’s both hearty and healthy. Packed with fresh summer vegetables, this dish is simple to prepare and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 eggplant, diced
- 2 zucchinis, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add eggplant and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in zucchinis, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Season with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes:
- For best flavor, use ripe, seasonal vegetables.
- Ratatouille can be served hot, cold, or at room temperature.
Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: French
Serving: 4-6
Nutrition
This homemade ratatouille is packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Vitamin C | 60mg |
| Iron | 1.5mg |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my ratatouille with a slice of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices, and a fresh salad adds a nice crunch to balance the meal. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works wonders, but you can get creative with your favorite mix-ins. Together, they make the dish feel complete and extra satisfying.
Crusty Bread
When I’m serving up ratatouille, I always make sure to have crusty bread on hand—it’s practically a must. There’s nothing like tearing into a warm, chewy baguette or rustic sourdough to soak up all that rich, herby tomato sauce. The contrast between the soft veggies and the crisp crust is just perfection. Plus, it turns a simple dish into something hearty enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites. Whether you’re dipping, scooping, or just enjoying it on the side, crusty bread elevates the meal. Trust me, once you try it this way, you’ll never skip the bread again.
Fresh Salad
Even though ratatouille is already packed with veggies, a fresh salad can still be a perfect side to balance out the meal. I love pairing it with a simple mixed green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette—it adds a crisp, invigorating contrast to the richness of the dish. Sometimes, I’ll throw in cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, or a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra texture and flavor. It’s quick to make, and it brightens up the plate. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in even more greens without overwhelming the main attraction. Trust me, it’s a winning combo!
