Ratatouille is a classic Provençal dish from France made with fresh vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, all simmered in olive oil and herbs. It’s vibrant, healthy, and perfect as a main dish or a side.
📝 Ingredients:
- 1 eggplant (sliced into thin rounds)
- 1 zucchini (sliced into thin rounds)
- 1 yellow squash (sliced into thin rounds)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced into rings)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced into rings)
- 4 ripe tomatoes (sliced into rounds)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions:
1️⃣ Prepare the Vegetables:
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Thinly slice eggplant, zucchini, squash, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
2️⃣ Create the Sauce:
- In a baking dish, spread minced garlic and a drizzle of olive oil on the bottom.
- Arrange vegetable slices in alternating colors in a spiral or overlapping pattern.
3️⃣ Season and Bake:
- Drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle with thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cover with parchment paper and bake for 40-45 minutes until vegetables are tender.
4️⃣ Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot or at room temperature with crusty bread.
✅ Pros:
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Beautiful and colorful presentation
- Packed with nutrients
❌ Cons:
- Time-consuming slicing and arranging
- Requires fresh, quality vegetables for the best taste