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Summer Ratatouille

Summer Ratatouille

Summer Ratatouille is a vibrant and healthy French-inspired dish that features fresh summer vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes, infused with fragrant herbs and olive oil. This quick, one-pot recipe celebrates the flavors of the season with a nutritious, light, and versatile meal that can be served hot, warm, or cold, suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 medium zucchinis, diced
  • 1 medium eggplant, diced
  • 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), diced
  • 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
  • 1 medium onion (yellow or white), finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Others

  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and dry all vegetables. Dice the zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes into uniform pieces. Mince the garlic and finely chop the onion and fresh herbs.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and translucent to create a flavorful base.
  3. Add Eggplant and Zucchini: Stir in the diced eggplant and zucchini. Cook for 7-8 minutes until they start to soften but still hold some texture, releasing moisture and deepening flavors.
  4. Incorporate Bell Peppers and Tomatoes: Add diced bell peppers and tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Final Touches: Once the vegetables are tender and juices have melded, adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

  • Cut vegetables into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
  • Salt eggplant slices before cooking to reduce bitterness and excess moisture.
  • Add most fresh herbs near the end of cooking to maintain vibrant flavor and aroma.
  • Simmer slowly to develop tender texture without mushiness.
  • Use ripe tomatoes for richer, more balanced flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: summer ratatouille, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, French recipe, healthy dinner, one-pot meal, fresh vegetables