Description
Nanou’s Authentic Ratatouille is a vibrant and hearty French vegetable stew featuring tender eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes simmered with aromatic herbs. Perfect as a comforting side or a light main dish, this recipe brings rustic Mediterranean flavors to your table in just 50 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 large eggplant, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
- 2 red or green bell peppers, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 medium zucchini or yellow squash, sliced and cubed
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
Herbs and Spices
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Oils
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more if needed
Instructions
- Sauté Eggplant: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and chunked eggplant and sauté, stirring often, until the pieces are lightly browned. Remove the eggplant from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Zucchini: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Sauté the sliced and cubed zucchini for about 5 minutes or until it is lightly browned. Remove and set aside with the eggplant.
- Sauté Onions and Peppers: If necessary, add a little more oil to the pan. Then add the diced onions and the seeded and chopped bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced Roma tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped fresh thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well and cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Simmer the Vegetables: Return the sautéed eggplant and zucchini to the pan. Partially cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let everything simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors are fully developed.
- Finish and Serve: Two minutes before serving, stir in the chopped fresh parsley and basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve the ratatouille immediately, enjoying its warm, herbaceous, and satisfying flavors.
Notes
- This ratatouille can be served hot or at room temperature, making it versatile for many occasions.
- For a richer flavor, drizzle a little extra olive oil over the finished dish before serving.
- The dish is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, perfect for a variety of dietary preferences.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the best aromatic impact.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day.
