French Ratatouille with a Modern Twist
Embark on a culinary journey with this delightful French Ratatouille, a classic from Provence, reimagined with a modern flair. This dish is a heartfelt celebration of fresh, vibrant vegetables, skillfully sautéed and roasted to perfection. The succulent blend of zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, enveloped in a rich, aromatic sauce of tomatoes, onion, and garlic, is a testament to the timelessness of French cuisine. This dish stands as a culinary masterpiece, perfect for a delightful family dinner that inspires and nourishes the soul and the body.
Serves: 4, Difficulty: Easy
Preparation Time: 20 minutes, Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 zucchini (approximately 500 grams)
- 1 eggplant (approximately 400 grams)
- 3 bell peppers (approximately 450 grams)
- 4 tomatoes (approximately 600 grams)
- 1 onion (approximately 200 grams)
- 3 garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200°C.
- Dice the zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes into even-sized cubes.
- Thinly slice the onion and garlic cloves.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, and cook for 10 minutes, until they start to soften.
- Add the tomatoes, fresh thyme, oregano, basil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to an ovenproof dish and bake in the oven for 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips
- For an intensified flavor, let the Ratatouille rest for a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld even further.
- Pair this dish with a crusty French baguette to absorb the rich, flavorful sauce.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Per Serving (approx. 400g) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 40 kcal (167 kJ) | 160 kcal (668 kJ) |
| Fat | 3 g | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4 g | 1.6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g | 24 g |
| Sugars | 3 g | 12 g |
| Proteins | 1 g | 4 g |
| Salt | 0.2 g | 0.8 g |
