Easy and Delicious Authentic Ratatouille Recipe


Mark Dubois grew up in a tiny village in the…
Ratatouille is a traditional French vegetable stew originating from the Provence region, consisting of a medley of seasonal vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, cooked together with herbs and seasonings until tender.
Renowned for its vibrant colors and robust flavors, Ratatouille is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course, side dish, or filling for various culinary creations.
Whether sautéed in a skillet or baked in a casserole dish, this rustic and comforting dish epitomizes the simplicity and elegance of French home cooking while celebrating the bounty of fresh produce from the Mediterranean region. Here’s a traditional recipe for Ratatouille:
Ratatouille Recipe
Ingredients to Make Ratatouille:
- 1 large eggplant, diced into 1-inch cubes
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), diced
- 3-4 ripe tomatoes, diced (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
Instructions to Make Ratatouille:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Begin by preparing all the vegetables. Dice the eggplant, onion, and bell peppers into approximately 1-inch pieces.
- Slice the zucchinis into rounds.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- If using fresh tomatoes, dice them into cubes. If using canned tomatoes, drain the excess liquid.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Cook the Eggplant:
- Add the diced eggplant to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant begins to soften.
- Add the Bell Peppers and Zucchini:
- Once the eggplant has softened slightly, add the diced bell peppers and sliced zucchinis to the skillet. Stir to combine with the other vegetables.
- Simmer with Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet, along with the dried thyme and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir all the vegetables together, then cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low.
- Allow the Ratatouille to simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve:
- Taste the Ratatouille and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Once the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve the Ratatouille hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves.
- Optional: Serve with Accompaniments:
- Ratatouille can be served on its own as a vegetarian main dish, or as a side dish alongside grilled meat, fish, or crusty bread.
- Some people also enjoy serving Ratatouille with a dollop of pesto or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Ratatouille, a comforting and flavorful dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables!
Preparation Time
- Preparing the vegetables and getting everything ready typically takes around 15-20 minutes.
Cooking Time
- The cooking time for Ratatouille is approximately 30-40 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Ratatouille is a nutritious dish packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the variety of vegetables used. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on a typical serving size of 1 cup or 240ml):
- Calories: 100-150 kcal
- Protein: 3-5 grams
- Fat: 5-8 grams (mostly from the olive oil)
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
- Fiber: 5-8 grams
- Vitamin A: 20-30% of the recommended daily intake (RDI)
- Vitamin C: 40-60% of the RDI
- Potassium: 10-15% of the RDI
- Calcium: 4-6% of the RDI
- Iron: 6-8% of the RDI
The exact nutritional values may vary based on the specific ingredients used and any additional seasonings or garnishes. Ratatouille is naturally low in calories and fat, making it a healthy option for those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet.
Traditional Ratatouille Recipe by Chef Vivien
Tips to Make the Best Ratatouille
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select fresh, high-quality vegetables for the best flavor. Look for firm eggplants, zucchinis, bell peppers, and ripe tomatoes.
- Uniformly Cut Vegetables: Aim to cut the vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. This helps maintain the dish’s texture and appearance.
- Sauté Vegetables in Batches: Depending on the size of your skillet or pot, sauté the vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding. This allows them to cook evenly and develop flavor.
- Control the Heat: Cook the vegetables over medium heat to prevent them from burning or becoming too mushy. Gentle cooking helps preserve their natural flavors and textures.
- Layer Flavors: Add depth to your Ratatouille by layering flavors. Sauté onions and garlic first to build a flavorful base, then add the remaining vegetables and herbs gradually.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to prepare a delightful Ratatouille that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
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Mark Dubois grew up in a tiny village in the South of France where fresh ingredients, traditional recipes, and fantastic french wines are present in every house and corner. Chef Mark is specialised in Mediterranean Gastronomies, but he is more passionate about baking. Chef Mark is currently working as a hosted Chef in different restaurants around Europe.