Classic Ratatouille Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 2 zucchinis, sliced
• 2 yellow squash, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, preferably red, diced
• 2 to 3 tomatoes, sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra sprigs for garnish
• 1/4 cup freshly chopped basil leaves

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: In a large baking dish, spread the onion and garlic evenly on the bottom and drizzle with the 1/4 cup olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Arrange the sliced eggplant, zucchinis, yellow squash, and tomatoes in alternating patterns (e.g., eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, tomato) on top of the onion mixture in a spiral from the outer edge to the center of the dish.
Step 4: Drizzle the top with more olive oil and season with more salt, pepper, and the teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves.
Step 5: Cover the dish with a sheet of parchment paper cut to fit inside.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until vegetables are tender but not mushy.
Step 7: Garnish with extra thyme sprigs and freshly chopped basil leaves.
Step 8: Serve hot as a main dish or as a side.

Equipment and Tools

• Large baking dish
• Cutting board and knife
• Parchment paper

Preparation

Before starting with the ratatouille, ensure all vegetables are washed, and the oven is preheated. This traditional French dish requires a good amount of prep work, mainly consisting of slicing the vegetables, so it’s best to complete that before starting the assembly.

Cooking Process

After layering the base with onions and garlic, artistically arrange the vegetable slices in a pattern on top. Drizzle with olive oil to help them roast beautifully and become infused with the flavors of the herbs. The parchment paper covering helps the vegetables to steam and cook evenly.

Tips and Tricks

– Salting the eggplant beforehand can remove some of its bitterness. Simply sprinkle with salt and let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry before using.
– For a heartier dish, sprinkle with grated Parmesan or Gruyere cheese before baking.
– Use a mandoline for consistent thickness of the vegetable slices, which ensures even cooking.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 150 per serving
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 6g

Introduction:

Delve into the rustic elegance of French cuisine with this Classic Ratatouille Recipe. This dish is not just a feast for the eyes with its colorful medley of vegetables but also a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients coming together to create a harmony of flavors. Perfect as a healthful main or a sophisticated side, ratatouille encapsulates the essence of Provencal cooking and is loved for its versatility and vibrant taste.