Homemade Classic French Ratatouille Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 small eggplants, sliced
• 2 zucchini, sliced
• 6 tomatoes, sliced
• 2 red onions, peeled and sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 700 grams crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 5 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by washing and slicing the eggplants, zucchini, tomatoes, red onions, and yellow bell pepper into even, thin rounds to ensure uniform cooking and presentation.

2. 2

   Make the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the finely chopped red onion and red bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme; cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and let the sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes. Stir in fresh basil toward the end.

3. 3

   Assemble the Ratatouille: Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly at the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the sliced vegetables alternating in a circular or linear pattern over the sauce, slightly overlapping to create a beautiful mosaic.

4. 4

   Cook the Ratatouille: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.

5. 5

   Prepare the Herb Dressing: While the ratatouille is baking, combine olive oil, chopped fresh basil, parsley, dried thyme, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well to infuse the flavors.

6. 6

   Serve: Once out of the oven, drizzle the herb dressing over the ratatouille for a fresh, aromatic finish. Serve warm as a main dish or side.