French Summer Ratatouille

French Summer Ratatouille

Description:

Ratatouille is a classic Provençal vegetable stew from the South of France, perfect for summer when zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and peppers are at their peak. This dish is bursting with color, flavor, and nutrition. It can be served warm or cold, as a side dish or a main with crusty bread, polenta, or rice. The vegetables are sautéed and then simmered together for a comforting, rustic flavor.

Time:

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

Total time: 1 hour

Servings: 4–6

Ingredients:

1 medium eggplant, diced

2 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds

1 large red bell pepper, diced

1 large yellow bell pepper, diced

1 large onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can crushed tomatoes)

3 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt (or to taste)

½ tsp black pepper

1 tsp herbes de Provence (or mix of thyme, oregano, and rosemary)

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Prep vegetables: Dice all vegetables uniformly to help them cook evenly.

Sauté separately

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil.

Sauté the eggplant over medium heat until browned and soft (about 8–10 min). Remove and set aside.

Repeat with zucchini, peppers, and onion (adding more oil as needed), sautéing each until slightly tender and golden. Set aside.

Cook garlic and tomatoes:

In the same pot, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Add the tomatoes and cook until they break down into a chunky sauce (about 10 minutes).

Combine and simmer:

Return all sautéed vegetables to the pot.

Season with salt, pepper, and herbes de Provence.

Simmer uncovered on low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld.

Garnish and serve:

Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.

Serve warm or cold with bread, rice, couscous, or as a side to grilled meat or fish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, based on 6 servings):

Nutrient Amount

Calories ~150 kcal

Protein 3g

Fat 9g

Saturated Fat 1.3g

Carbohydrates 16g

Fiber 5g

Sugar 8g

Sodium 300mg

Vitamin C 90% DV

Vitamin A 30% DV

Potassium 500mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on exact ingredients and quantities.

Common Questions & Answers:

Q: Can I roast the vegetables instead of sautéing them?

A: Absolutely! Roasting enhances their sweetness. Roast each veggie at 400°F (200°C) with olive oil for 20–25 minutes, then mix with the tomato base.

Q: How long does ratatouille last in the fridge?

A: It keeps well for up to 4–5 days in an airtight container. The flavor improves over time!

Q: Can I freeze ratatouille?

A: Yes, cool it completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove.

Q: Can I add protein?

A: Yes! It pairs well with beans (like chickpeas), poached eggs, grilled chicken, or fish

Q: What’s the difference between traditional and layered ratatouille?

A: Traditional ratatouille is a rustic stew, while the layered version (like in the movie Ratatouille) arranges sliced vegetables in

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