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Easy homemade ratatouille recipe with baked zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers in a ceramic dish.
SavorAndSpice

Easy Homemade Ratatouille Recipe - Quick & Delicious

This Easy Homemade Ratatouille Recipe is a classic French vegetable dish made with fresh zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this healthy Ratatouille recipe can be made ahead, frozen for later, or served warm as a comforting main or side. Enjoy a flavorful, colorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings the taste of France to your kitchen.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course, vegetarian
Cuisine: French
Calories: 140
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium eggplant diced
  • 1 medium zucchini diced
  • 1 medium yellow squash diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper diced
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 large tomatoes diced (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh
  • 1 tsp dried basil or 1 tbsp fresh
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet or sauté pan
  • 1 Oven-safe dish
  • Measuring spoons
  • 1 Sharp chef’s knife
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Wash and dice all vegetables evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
  2. In a large skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the eggplant until soft, then remove and set aside. Repeat the process for zucchini, yellow squash, and bell peppers.
  3. In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Return all the sautéed vegetables to the pan. Add the diced tomatoes, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving. Enjoy warm as a main dish or a side.

Notes

Optional Roasted Version:
Toss all vegetables with olive oil, thyme, and basil, then roast in an oven-safe dish at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes until caramelized.

Notes

  • Ratatouille can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day.
  • For a richer flavor, try the roasted or layered variations.
  • Adjust the herbs and seasoning to your taste. Use fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or parsley elevate the dish.
  • This recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan, but you can add cheese for a creamy twist.
  • Perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or entertaining.