Description
Ratatouille is a vibrant French dish that combines the best of summer vegetables in a delightful medley of flavors. Perfect as a main dish, side, or even as a topping, this classic recipe is as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- Zucchini: 1 medium, sliced into thin rounds
- Yellow summer squash: 1 medium, sliced thinly
- Eggplant (Chinese or Japanese): 2 medium, sliced into thin rounds
- Roma tomatoes: 2 medium, sliced thinly
- Yellow onion: 1 small, diced
- Bell pepper (red, orange, or yellow): 1 small, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Fresh thyme: ½ small bunch, leaves picked
- Fresh basil: ½ small bunch, chopped (about ¼ cup)
- Olive oil: 4 tablespoons, divided
- Kosher salt: 1¼ teaspoons, divided
- Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon
- Tomato purée: 1 cup
- Red wine vinegar: 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Slice zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, and Roma tomatoes into thin, uniform rounds.
- Dice onion and bell pepper, mince garlic, and chop basil leaves.
- Cook the Sauce:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion, bell pepper, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and black pepper for 8-10 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic, thyme, and basil; cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in tomato purée and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add red wine vinegar and spread the sauce evenly in the skillet.
- Arrange the Vegetables:
- Starting from the outer edge, layer zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, and Roma tomatoes in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping.
- Season and Bake:
- Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the vegetables.
- Sprinkle remaining thyme leaves and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt.
- Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 45-50 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Let the dish cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Notes
- Use a mandoline for evenly sliced vegetables.
- Fresh, in-season produce yields the best results.
- Customize herbs to your taste by adding rosemary or oregano.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French