The Best Homemade Ratatouille Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This ratatouille recipe is a colorful, flavorful dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special.

• Easy to customize – Swap veggies based on what’s fresh or your favorites.
• Healthy and hearty – Packed with vitamins and fiber, it’s a meal that satisfies.
• Perfect for sharing – Impress friends and family with its beautiful layers.

Recipe

A ratatouille is a classic French vegetable stew that combines tender eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes with aromatic herbs. This dish is a celebration of summer produce, offering a medley of flavors and colors. Comforting and versatile, it can be served as a main dish or a side.

Ingredients:

• 1 eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 zucchini, sliced into rounds
• 1 yellow squash, sliced into rounds
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, onion, and garlic with olive oil, thyme, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
5. Remove from the oven and transfer the vegetables to a large pot.
6. Add the chopped tomatoes and simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes:

• For a richer flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
• Ratatouille can be made ahead and reheated, as the flavors deepen over time.

Equipment:

• Large bowl
• Baking sheet
• Large pot
• Wooden spoon

Time:

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 50 minutes

Cuisine: French

Serving: Serves 4-6

Nutrition

Ratatouille is a nutrient-rich dish packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables. Below is the nutritional breakdown for a standard serving.

What To Serve With It

I love pairing ratatouille with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up all those delicious juices. For a heartier meal, grilled chicken or fish adds a smoky, savory touch that complements the veggies perfectly. It’s a simple way to make the dish feel complete.

Crusty Bread Pairing

Even though ratatouille is a star on its own, it’s even better when there’s something crunchy to scoop it up. That’s where crusty bread comes in—it’s the perfect partner for this dish. I love tearing off a piece of warm baguette or sourdough and using it to soak up all the rich, savory flavors. The contrast between the soft, tender vegetables and the crispy bread is just heavenly. Plus, it makes the meal feel more satisfying and complete. For an extra touch, I sometimes rub a garlic clove on the bread or drizzle it with olive oil before serving. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Grilled Protein Options

While crusty bread adds a comforting crunch to ratatouille, pairing it with grilled proteins can turn it into a hearty main dish. I love serving it with grilled chicken—its smoky flavor blends perfectly with the veggies. For a richer option, try juicy lamb chops; their savory taste complements the dish beautifully. Grilled shrimp is another favorite of mine; it’s quick to cook and adds a touch of elegance. Don’t hesitate to experiment with tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Each protein brings its own flair, making your ratatouille feel fresh and exciting every time you serve it.