Ratatouille Recipe – A Classic French Dish

 

Introduction

Ratatouille is a traditional French vegetable stew originating from the Provence region. This healthy and flavorful dish is made with fresh ingredients such as tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and herbs. It is a staple in French cuisine and is often served as a side dish or a main course with bread, rice, or pasta.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants, diced
• 2 zucchini, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

• Wash and chop all the vegetables into evenly sized pieces.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Step 2: Sauté the Ingredients

• Add the onions and garlic, cooking until they become soft and translucent.
• Add the bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes.
• Stir in the eggplant and zucchini, cooking for another 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

• Pour in the diced tomatoes and mix well.
• Add thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
• Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Final Touches

• Remove the bay leaf and stir in fresh basil.
• Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve warm with crusty French bread or as a topping for pasta.
2. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
3. Can be enjoyed cold as a salad the next day.

Conclusion

This authentic Ratatouille recipe brings out the best of Mediterranean flavors and is a perfect dish for any occasion. It is vegan, gluten-free, and packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for a balanced diet.

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