Looking for a delicious and versatile dish to impress your guests or enjoy a cozy night in? Look no further than this Homemade Classic French Ratatouille! Bursting with flavor and vibrant colors, this dish is not only easy to make but also perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of fresh vegetables and herbs creates a rich and savory taste that will leave your taste buds dancing.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can have this dish ready in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week, as the flavors only get better with time.
Ingredient Notes:
Vegetables:
- Small eggplants, zucchini, tomatoes, red onions, yellow bell pepper
Sauce: - Olive oil, red onion, red bell pepper, garlic, salt, pepper, dry oregano, dry thyme, canned crushed tomatoes, fresh basil
Herb dressing: - Olive oil, fresh basil, fresh parsley, dry thyme, garlic, salt, pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Start by slicing the vegetables into uniform pieces.
- In a large pan, sauté the red onion, red bell pepper, and garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add the sliced vegetables and canned crushed tomatoes to the pan, along with the herbs and seasonings.
- Let the mixture simmer until the vegetables are tender but still hold their shape.
- Finish off with a drizzle of herb dressing for an extra burst of flavor.
Helpful Tips:
- Use a mix of colorful vegetables for a visually appealing dish.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Feel free to customize the herbs and seasonings to suit your taste.
- This ratatouille tastes even better the next day, so make extra for leftovers.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Roast the vegetables in the oven before adding them to the sauce for a deeper flavor.
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best taste.
- Let the ratatouille rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Homemade Classic French Ratatouille with crusty bread, a side of creamy polenta, or over a bed of fluffy couscous. Pair it with a glass of red wine for the ultimate dining experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to revive the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze ratatouille?
Yes, you can freeze ratatouille for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. - Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Feel free to swap out the vegetables for your favorites, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or even potatoes. - Is ratatouille vegan?
Yes, this classic French dish is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Conclusion:
Now that you have the recipe for this Homemade Classic French Ratatouille, it’s time to get cooking and enjoy a taste of France in your own home. Don’t forget to share your feedback and experiences with us – we love hearing from our readers! Bon appétit!
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Homemade Classic French Ratatouille
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the flavors of France with this homemade classic French Ratatouille. A medley of eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and bell peppers cooked in a savory herb sauce, this dish is a delightful vegetarian option.
Ingredients
Vegetables:
- 2 small eggplants
- 2 zucchini
- 6 tomatoes
- 2 red onions
- 1 yellow bell pepper
Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 5 cloves garlic
- salt, pepper
- ¼ tsp dry oregano
- ¼ tsp dry thyme
- 700 grams crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp fresh basil
Herb dressing:
- 5 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh basil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1 tsp dry thyme
- 3 cloves garlic
- salt, pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Cut eggplants, zucchini, tomatoes, onions, and bell pepper into chunks.
- Make Sauce: In a pan, sauté red onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Add crushed tomatoes, herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened.
- Assemble Ratatouille: Layer vegetables in a baking dish, pour sauce over, and bake until vegetables are tender.
- Prepare Herb Dressing: Combine olive oil, basil, parsley, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Serve: Drizzle herb dressing over ratatouille before serving.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables like mushrooms or carrots for variation.
- This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg