Ratatouille – Classic French Vegetable Stew

Ratatouille Recipe – The Ratatouille Recipe is a beloved classic from the Provence region of France — a hearty, colorful vegetable stew that celebrates the beauty of fresh, seasonal produce. Made with tender eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, and herbs, ratatouille is a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is flavorful.

• Save

What makes ratatouille special is its simplicity. It’s a rustic meal, yet it has an elegant charm that captures the essence of French countryside cooking — fresh ingredients, minimal fuss, and maximum flavor

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Active Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Cuisine: French / Mediterranean
Course: Main Course / Side Dish
Servings: 4–6 servings
Calories: Approximately 190 kcal per serving

Ingredients

For the Vegetables:

• Eggplant – 1 large (cut into thin rounds or cubes)

• Zucchini – 2 medium (sliced into thin rounds)

• Yellow squash – 1 medium (optional, for color variety)

• Red bell pepper – 1 large (thinly sliced)

• Yellow bell pepper – 1 large (thinly sliced)

• Roma tomatoes – 4 large (thinly sliced)

• Onion – 1 medium (thinly sliced)

• Garlic – 4 cloves (minced)

For the Sauce:

• Olive oil – 3 tablespoons

• Crushed tomatoes – 1 ½ cups (or 1 can, 400 g)

• Tomato paste – 1 tablespoon

• Fresh basil – 2 tablespoons, chopped

• Fresh thyme – 1 teaspoon (or ½ teaspoon dried)

• Salt – to taste

• Black pepper – to taste

• Red pepper flakes – ¼ teaspoon (optional for a little heat)

For Garnish:

• Chopped parsley or basil

• Drizzle of olive oil

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or saucepan

• Baking dish (if oven-roasting)

• Sharp knife and cutting board

• Wooden spoon

• Aluminum foil or lid

• Measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and slice all vegetables into thin, even rounds or bite-sized cubes. If you prefer a more rustic look, chop them into chunks. Pat dry to remove excess moisture — this helps prevent sogginess while cooking.

Step 2: Make the Base Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 5–7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Pour half of this sauce into the bottom of your baking dish or leave it in the skillet if cooking stovetop-style.

Step 3: Arrange the Vegetables (Oven-Baked Version)

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Layer the sliced vegetables alternately (eggplant, zucchini, tomato, pepper, squash) over the sauce in a spiral pattern. Continue layering until the dish is filled. Drizzle olive oil over the top, and season lightly with salt, pepper, and thyme.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 35–40 minutes until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.

Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to allow the edges to caramelize beautifully.

Step 4: Stovetop Method (Alternative)

If you prefer a one-pot dish, add all the chopped vegetables directly into the simmering sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cover and cook on low heat for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft but not overcooked.

Once done, let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite sides.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Pairing: Serve with a crusty baguette or garlic bread to soak up the sauce.

• With Protein: Pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.

• With Grains: Try it over rice, quinoa, or couscous for a wholesome meal.

• Pasta Twist: Mix leftover ratatouille with pasta for a quick Mediterranean lunch.

Conclusion

This Ratatouille Recipe brings together the simple, honest flavors of Provence in one wholesome dish. With its vibrant layers of vegetables, fragrant herbs, and rich tomato base, it’s a celebration of freshness and balance.