Ratatouille Recipe

 Ratatouille, a vegetable medley stew, showcases the vibrant colors and flavors of Provence. This comforting dish is a celebration of seasonal produce and culinary simplicity.

Here's a classic recipe for Ratatouille:

Ingredients:

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Ratatouille:

• 1 eggplant, thinly sliced
• 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow squash, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons herbes de Provence (a mix of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and savory)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:

a. In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

b. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.

c. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

d. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Set aside.

2. Assemble the Ratatouille:

a. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

b. Spread the tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.

c. Arrange the thinly sliced eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, tomatoes, and red onion in an alternating pattern, overlapping slightly.

d. Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables, and sprinkle with herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper.

e. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.

f. Uncover the dish and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

3. Garnish and Serve:

a. Remove the Ratatouille from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

b. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness.

c. Serve the Ratatouille warm as a delightful side dish or a standalone meal.

Tips:

• You can customize the vegetables based on your preferences and seasonal availability.
• For added richness, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or feta cheese before serving.

Enjoy this Ratatouille, a masterpiece of Provençal cuisine, bringing together the vibrant flavors of sun-kissed vegetables in a harmonious medley.