Creamy Zucchini & Eggplant Ratatouille: A Meatless Mediterranean Treasure
This Creamy Zucchini & Eggplant Ratatouille is a rich, comforting, and flavor-packed dish that transforms simple vegetables into a luxurious meal. A twist on the classic French recipe, this version features zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and mushrooms simmered in a creamy sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese, and baked to golden perfection. It’s an elegant yet easy-to-make dish, perfect as a vegetarian main course or a hearty side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéed & Baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 2 small zucchini, sliced
- 2 small eggplants, sliced
- Salt, to taste
- 1 onion, chopped
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), sliced
- 3 tomatoes, diced
- 7 mushrooms, sliced
- 350 ml milk cream (or low-fat cream for a lighter option)
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 200 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Sprinkle the sliced zucchini and eggplant with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes. Pat dry to remove excess moisture.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, and carrot until soft and fragrant.
3. Cook the Vegetables
Add the bell pepper, tomatoes, and mushrooms to the pan. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Season with salt and black pepper.
4. Simmer in Cream
Pour in the milk cream and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Layer & Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, layer the zucchini and eggplant slices. Pour the creamy vegetable mixture over them. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
6. Bake Until Golden
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Garnish & Serve
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make it Vegan: Swap milk cream for coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Boost the Flavor: Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a spicy kick.
- Protein Additions: Mix in chickpeas or white beans for added protein.
- Best Served With: Crusty bread, pasta, rice, or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.