Classic Ratatouille Recipe

Dive into the heart of French cuisine with this timeless ratatouille recipe, a vegetable medley that celebrates simplicity and flavor. Perfect as a main dish or a side, it’s a testament to the beauty of fresh produce.

Ingredients:

For the Ratatouille:

• 2 large onions, finely sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 2 red bell peppers, cut into thin strips
• 2 yellow bell peppers, cut into thin strips
• 2 zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
• 2 yellow squashes, sliced into thin rounds
• 4 tomatoes, sliced into thin rounds
• Olive oil for cooking
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• A handful of fresh thyme leaves, for garnishing

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 4 ripe tomatoes, blended into a puree
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, finely chopped, for garnishing

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
   • Stir in the pureed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
   • Simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Assemble the Ratatouille:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a large baking dish, spread the tomato sauce evenly on the bottom.
   • Arrange the sliced vegetables (onions, bell peppers, zucchinis, yellow squashes, and tomatoes) in a spiral pattern, alternating them and overlapping slightly, starting from the edge of the dish and working towards the center.
   • Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top.
   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes.
   • After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
3. Final Touches:
   • Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Enjoy this classic ratatouille on its own, or serve it alongside your favorite protein for a complete meal. Its vibrant colors and rich flavors are sure to impress at any table.