Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors without spending hours in the kitchen? Then look no further! This easy ratatouille recipe is your answer. Using canned tomatoes saves valuable time without compromising on taste, making this a perfect healthy meal for busy weeknights. It's packed with delicious vegetables, bursting with Mediterranean flavors, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
This recipe makes a generous serving, perfect for sharing or leftovers!
- 2 large zucchini, diced
- 2 large yellow squash, diced
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
Instructions:
This easy ratatouille recipe is as straightforward as it gets!
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don't let the garlic burn!
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Add the Vegetables: Add the diced zucchini, yellow squash, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften slightly.
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Simmer the Ratatouille: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Serve and Enjoy: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve your delicious ratatouille hot as a side dish or a hearty vegetarian main course. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread, grilled chicken, or fish.
Tips for the Best Ratatouille:
- Don't overcook the vegetables: You want them to be tender but still retain some texture.
- Fresh herbs are best: If you have fresh oregano and basil on hand, use about 2 tablespoons of each, chopped.
- Add some eggplant: Feel free to add diced eggplant for an even richer flavor and texture. Just be sure to salt it for about 30 minutes before adding it to the pot to draw out excess moisture.
- Make it ahead: Ratatouille tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy it for several meals throughout the week.
Variations:
- Mediterranean Ratatouille: Add crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Ratatouille: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Herby Ratatouille: Experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary slightly based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 5-8g
- Protein: 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fiber: 4-6g
This easy ratatouille recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal without sacrificing time or effort. It's a versatile dish that can be adapted to your taste and dietary preferences, making it a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation. Enjoy!