Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of French cuisine with our Ratatouille recipe. This classic Provençal dish is a celebration of vibrant, seasonal vegetables simmered in a savory tomato sauce, bursting with flavors and colors. Our Ratatouille is the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication, making it a delightful choice for a meal shared among four. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe promises a taste of France that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Ratatouille:
- 1 medium eggplant, diced
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), diced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Process:
For the Tomato Sauce:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they become translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Set aside.
For the Ratatouille:
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced yellow onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and the onions turn soft, about 2-3 minutes.
- Begin layering the diced vegetables in the skillet. Start with the eggplant, followed by the zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
- Sprinkle dried thyme and rosemary over the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the layered vegetables.
- Cover the skillet and simmer over low heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld together. Stir occasionally.
- Once cooked, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness.
- Serve your Ratatouille hot, either as a side dish, over pasta, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
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