Ratatouille is a classic French dish made with a variety of vegetables, herbs, and olive oil. It's a flavorful and hearty vegetable stew that can be served as a main course or a side dish. Here's a step-by-step recipe for making Ratatouille:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium eggplant (aubergine)
- 2 medium zucchinis (courgettes)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 onion
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 4-5 ripe tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnishing
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash and peel the eggplant if desired. Cut it into cubes.
- Cut the zucchinis, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper into similar-sized cubes.
- Peel and dice the onion.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Blanch the tomatoes: Score the bottom of each tomato with a small "X," then place them in boiling water for a minute. Remove and place in ice water. Peel the skin off, and chop the tomatoes.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add Bell Peppers and Eggplant:
- Add the diced red and yellow bell peppers and eggplant to the pot. Sauté for a few minutes until they start to soften.
4. Add Zucchini:
- Add the diced zucchinis to the pot and continue sautéing for a few more minutes.
5. Add Tomatoes and Herbs:
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Mix well to combine.
6. Seasoning:
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful of adding too much salt, as the dish will reduce and flavors will concentrate.
7. Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the mixture simmer for about 20-30 minutes. The vegetables should become tender but not mushy.
8. Check Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can also add more dried herbs if desired.
9. Garnish and Serve:
- Once the Ratatouille is cooked to your liking, remove it from the heat.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving.
10. Serve:
- Ratatouille can be served hot, warm, or at room temperature. It's often enjoyed as a side dish, over pasta, or with crusty bread.
Ratatouille is a versatile dish that can be customized to your preferences. Feel free to add other vegetables, herbs, or spices based on what you have on hand and your personal taste. Enjoy this rustic and flavorful French delight!