A simple French classic made with zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, tomatoes, and herbs. Serve it warm, spoon it over crusty bread, or keep a jar in the refrigerator for easy meals throughout the week.
Classic French Ratatouille
|Le Parfait
Classic French Ratatouille
Le Parfait
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Dinner
Cuisine
French
Servings
6
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Make the most of late-summer vegetables with this classic ratatouille, simmered with tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and herbs until tender and full of flavor.
Ingredients
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1 medium eggplant, cut into ½-inch pieces
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2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
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1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
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1 large onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
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1 (28-ounce) can crushed or diced tomatoes
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
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¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1 bay leaf
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
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Fresh thyme or basil, for serving
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Equipment
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Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
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Directions
Cut the eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and onion into roughly similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onion and peppers and cook for 5–7 minutes, until they begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the remaining olive oil, eggplant, and zucchini. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and lightly brown.
Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Remove the bay leaf and stir in the chopped fresh basil. Serve warm, with fresh thyme or basil if desired.
Recipe Note
Storage: Let the ratatouille cool completely before transferring it to a clean 1 L Le Parfait Super Jar. Refrigerate and enjoy within 4 days.
The next-day effect: Ratatouille is one of those dishes that can taste even better the next day, once the vegetables and herbs have had more time to mingle.
Ways to serve it: Serve as a side dish, spoon over toasted bread, toss with pasta, add to grain bowls, or top with an egg for an easy meal.