
Yields:
4 - 6 serving(s)
Prep Time:
45 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs
When your summer garden is bursting with fresh zucchini, squash, eggplant, and tomatoes, there's no better dish to show off that produce than ratatouille. This stunning swirled dish may look highly impressive, but anyone can make it! Just grab a sharp knife or mandoline and get slicing. Full of vegetables, it's one of the best healthy summer dinner recipes with a fresh summer salad and crusty bread. But it's also a stunning side with roast chicken or seared scallops. It's sure to wow everyone at the table!
What is ratatouille?
In French Provençal cuisine, ratatouille is a rustic stew made from eggplant, zucchini, tomato, bell pepper, onion, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. This layered version, known as confit byaldi, was first mastered by French Chef Michel Guérard. Though it is different from traditional ratatouille, it is very delicious, easy to make, and oh so pretty!
Do you need a mandoline to make layered ratatouille?
No, you don't need a special slicer like a mandoline to make ratatouille. The tool is great for quick, even slices of zucchini and squash, but you can also just use a regular kitchen knife. Since the tomato flesh and eggplant skin are so delicate, they are better off sliced with a trusty chef’s knife or serrated knife. Even slices make for a show-stopping presentation and even cooking. If you're really serious, try using a ruler!
Is ratatouille served hot or cold?
It's all about personal preference. Some people enjoy it hot, warm, at room temperature, or even cold straight out of the fridge. This particular version is delightful warm from the oven.
Can you make ratatouille ahead of time?
Yes! This dish can be made a day ahead, refrigerated, and reheated before serving. Cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a 350-degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until warmed through.
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Ingredients
- 1/4 cup
olive oil, divided
- 1/2
yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2
red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 1/4 tsp.
kosher salt, divided
- 1 tsp.
ground black pepper, divided
- 2
garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1
(15-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tsp.
chopped fresh thyme, divided
- 3
roma tomatoes
- 1
slender eggplant (petite Italian, Japanese, or Chinese)
- 1
medium zucchini
- 1
medium yellow squash
Fresh basil leaves, for serving
Directions
- Step 1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Step 2In a large skillet pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, ¾ teaspoon of the salt, and ½ teaspoon of the black pepper, and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and lightly golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of the thyme. Spoon the sauce into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Step 3Using a sharp knife or serrated knife, slice the tomatoes and eggplant into ⅛-inch-thick slices. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline to slice the zucchini and yellow squash into ⅛-inch-thick slices.
- Step 4Shingle the sliced vegetables on top of the sauce in an alternating pattern, working from the outer edge to the center of the dish. Brush 2 tablespoons of the oil on the vegetables and sprinkle with the remaining 1 teaspoon thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 5Cover the dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover the dish, and bake until the vegetables are tender and lightly golden, about 20 minutes more.
- Step 6Allow the dish to cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, and serve hot or warm, sprinkled with basil.
Tip: If you can’t find a slender variety of eggplant, like Japanese or Chinese eggplant, don’t despair! This recipe will still be beautiful and delicious with larger Italian eggplant. Depending on the size of the eggplant, cut each slice in half or quarters to match the size of the other vegetables.
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