Ratatouille – A Classic French Vegetable Medley

Ratatouille – A Classic French Vegetable Medley

Ratatouille is a traditional French Provençal stewed vegetable dish, originating in Nice. It is also a popular choice for a healthy, vegetarian meal filled with fresh and vibrant flavors of summer vegetables like zucchini, peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
• 1 medium eggplant, sliced into rounds
• 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), cut into strips
• 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and layer in the sliced zucchini, eggplant, bell pepper strips, and chopped tomatoes in an overlapping pattern.
5. Sprinkle the thyme, salt, and pepper over the arranged vegetables.
6. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the entire dish.
7. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
8. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Serve the Ratatouille warm or at room temperature, and enjoy a taste of French culinary tradition with each bite! Perfect as a main dish or as a side to complement your favorite protein.