Description
This Zucchini & Eggplant Ratatouille is a delicious and hearty dish that proves you don’t need meat for a satisfying meal. Made with tender zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a main dish with crusty bread or as a flavorful side, it’s a simple yet elegant way to enjoy fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Ratatouille
- 2 small zucchini, sliced
- 2 small eggplant, 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
- Prepare the Vegetables: Sprinkle salt over the sliced zucchini and eggplant. Let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the carrot, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Stir in the diced tomatoes and let them simmer until softened.
- Combine Everything: Add the zucchini and eggplant to the pan, mixing well. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add the Cream and Cheese: Pour in the milk cream, season with black pepper and salt, and let it simmer for a few minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully combined.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread, pasta, or as a side dish.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute milk cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
- To enhance the flavors, roast the vegetables before adding them to the pan.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Make it spicy by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sauté and Simmer
- Cuisine: French-Inspired