Inspired by the beloved dish in Pixar’s Ratatouille, this elegant version of the classic French dish is a stunning, colorful medley of thinly sliced vegetables arranged beautifully and baked to perfection. It’s the ultimate comforting and healthy meal, ideal for a family dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 small eggplant (thinly sliced)
- 1 zucchini (thinly sliced)
- 1 yellow squash (thinly sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
- 3 medium tomatoes (thinly sliced)
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Herb Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or dried)
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil (chopped, or dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Spread the sauce evenly at the bottom of a round or oval baking dish.
- Arrange the Vegetables: Layer the thinly sliced eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, onion, and tomatoes on top of the sauce, alternating colors for a visually appealing pattern. Start from the outer edge of the dish and work your way towards the center.
- Season the Dish: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the herb seasoning over the arranged vegetables.
- Bake the Ratatouille: Cover the dish with parchment paper or foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This ratatouille pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or as a side dish to grilled meats.
Tips:
- Use a mandoline slicer to get thin, uniform slices of vegetables.
- For a more traditional French ratatouille, you can sauté the vegetables before arranging them.