Indulge in the rich flavors of the French countryside with Ratatouille, a delightful vegetable stew bursting with the essence of Provencal herbs. This classic French dish brings together eggplant, zucchinis, bell peppers, and tomatoes, creating a harmonious symphony of tastes in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant (aubergine)
- 2 medium zucchinis (courgettes)
- 1 large onion
- 2-3 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
- 4-5 ripe tomatoes
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- Wash all the vegetables thoroughly. Peel the eggplant if desired, although it’s not necessary. Cut the eggplant, zucchinis, and tomatoes into approximately 1-inch cubes. Chop the onion and bell peppers into similar-sized pieces.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for a minute or until fragrant.
- Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until they become translucent and soft.
- Next, add the cubed eggplant and stir well. Cook for a few minutes until the eggplant starts to soften.
- Now, add the chopped bell peppers and zucchinis to the pot. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot, along with the dried thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the ratatouille simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally during this time to prevent sticking.
- Once the ratatouille is cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Before serving, drizzle the remaining olive oil over the ratatouille and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Ratatouille is typically served warm or at room temperature as a side dish. However, it can also be served over rice, pasta, or crusty bread as a main course.
Enjoy your delicious homemade French ratatouille! It’s a versatile and delightful dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables.
You can try our other recipes too for a yummy taste bud, Have a good day or evening 
