Ratatouille
Discover the magic of Ratatouille, a vibrant French classic that turns summer vegetables into a delicious and nutritious masterpiece!
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine French
- 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 eggplant, thinly sliced
- 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp The Spice Girl Kitchen French Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- fresh basil, for garnish
Start by prepping your veggies. Slice them evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. Pro tip: Use a mandoline for perfect slices! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant.
Spread the sautéed onion and garlic mixture on the bottom of a baking dish. Layer the sliced vegetables in an alternating pattern (tomato, eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers) in a spiral or row. Get creative!
Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the veggies. Sprinkle with French seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly browned.
Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving. Serve with grilled meats and a toasted baguette!
When it comes to serving Ratatouille, the possibilities are as delightful as the dish itself! Here are some fabulous pairings to make your meal even more scrumptious:
- Crusty Baguette: Dive into that rich, flavorful sauce with a warm, crusty baguette. It’s like a match made in heaven!
- Fluffy Rice: Light and fluffy rice is the perfect companion to soak up all the veggie goodness.
- Quinoa: For a nutritious twist, try serving Ratatouille over a bed of quinoa. It’s healthy and hearty!
- Creamy Polenta: Smooth, creamy polenta makes a cozy base for this veggie medley. Comfort food at its finest!
- Mashed Potatoes: Who can resist silky, buttery mashed potatoes alongside Ratatouille? It’s a comforting classic.
- Grilled Meats: Add a touch of elegance with some grilled chicken, lamb, or pork for a more substantial meal.
- Fish: Lightly grilled or baked fish pairs beautifully with the fresh flavors of Ratatouille – a match made in flavor heaven!
- Pasta: Toss Ratatouille with pasta for a quick and delicious vegetarian main course. It’s pasta perfection!
- Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan or crumbled goat cheese on top adds a delightful finishing touch. Cheese lovers, rejoice!
Pairing Ratatouille with any of these options will elevate your meal and make every bite a little celebration of flavor!