Ratatouille Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 medium eggplant, chopped (about 450g / 1 lb)
- 1 large zucchini, sliced (about 250g / 9 oz)
- 1 large red bell pepper, chopped (about 200g / 7 oz)
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, chopped (about 200g / 7 oz)
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced (about 300g / 10 oz)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (about 150g / 5 oz)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 9g / 0.3 oz)
- Salt and pepper to taste (about 1 tsp / 5g sea salt and 1/4 tsp / 1g black pepper)
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon (1g) fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon (2g) fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon (1g) fresh basil, roughly chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Begin by chopping the vegetables: cut the eggplant into cubes, the zucchini into thin slices, and the bell peppers into strips. Dice the tomatoes and chop the onion. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sautéing them until they become translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Building the Flavor
Add the chopped eggplant to the pan and cook it until it begins to soften, approximately 7 minutes. Follow with the zucchini slices and bell peppers, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combining and Baking
Add the diced tomatoes on top of the cooked vegetables. Sprinkle the fresh thyme and rosemary over the mixture. Drizzle with red wine vinegar and balsamic vinegar. Gently stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
Step 5: Oven Baking
Transfer the pan to the preheated oven. Bake the Ratatouille, uncovered, for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and have melded into a fragrant, cohesive mixture.
Step 6: Final Touch
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Stir in the fresh basil just before serving. Adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to taste.
Conclusion
Ratatouille is an ode to the beauty of simple ingredients, each component contributing to its harmonious taste. Embrace the artistry of arranging these vegetables to capture the essence of Provence. Whether served warm or at room temperature, Ratatouille promises a journey through sunlit gardens and rustic kitchens. Let each bite remind you of the powerful simplicity and endless possibilities in vegetarian cooking.
