Easy Ratatouille Recipe For A Wholesome Meal
Experience the vibrant flavours of Easy Ratatouille Recipe, a celebration of summer’s bounty on your plate. This dish weaves together tender zucchini, ripe tomatoes, and succulent eggplant in a medley that electrifies the palate with rustic charm and heartwarming goodness. Each bite offers a comforting embrace of garden-fresh vegetables, lovingly baked to perfection, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
Easy Ratatouille Recipe
Ingredients
The Vegetables:
- Tomatoes
- Zucchini
- Eggplant
- Squash (optional, can be omitted if not available)
- Onion
The Sauce:
- Olive oil
- Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- Onions
- Garlic
- Peppers (optional)
- Dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, and black pepper (Seasoning)
- Salt
- Sugar (to reduce sourness from the tomatoes)
- Balsamic vinegar
Toppings (Optional):
- Olive oil (for drizzling on top)
- Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and basil (chopped)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: To 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Cook chopped onions and garlic for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, salt, sugar, and the seasonings. Simmer for 12-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Slice the vegetables (tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, squash, and onion) into 1/8 inch thick rounds. A mandolin slicer or sharp knife can be used.
- Assemble:
- Pour the sauce into a 2-3 quart baking dish (round or square).
- Arrange sliced vegetables on their sides in the baking dish, alternating between tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and onion.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Finishing Touches:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle olive oil on top.
- Optionally, add grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving.
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Notes:
- If you prefer more tender vegetables, cover the dish with foil for the initial baking period then uncover for the remainder.
- For a crunchier texture, bake uncovered throughout.
- Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the vegetable slices, oven temperature, and type of baking dish.
Suggestions:
This delicious and easy Ratatouille can be served as a main dish or a side. It pairs well with all sorts of meat and seafood. It offers a lovely, light option that’s perfect for summer, and it can be made vegan by omitting the cheese.
Enjoy the tastes of summer with this simple yet elegant dish!
