Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful vegetarian meal that's both healthy and satisfying? Look no further! This ratatouille recipe skips the eggplant, offering a simplified yet incredibly delicious version perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a more leisurely weekend cooking session. It’s a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, showcasing the natural sweetness and depth of summer vegetables. This easy recipe is packed with flavour and is a great option for healthy meals. It's one of the best recipes for using up seasonal produce!
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchini, diced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes (if using in-season tomatoes)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the vegetables: Add the diced zucchini and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened.
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Simmer the sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, fresh tomatoes (if using), oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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Bake (optional): For a deeper, richer flavor, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. If you prefer a stovetop version, simply continue simmering uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Finish and serve: Stir in the fresh basil just before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. This delicious dish is wonderful served hot as a side dish, or as a main course with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetable variations: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as carrots, mushrooms, or summer squash.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or parsley.
- Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving adds a delightful salty finish.
- Make it ahead: Ratatouille tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fat: 7-9g
This recipe provides a quick dinner idea, perfect for those busy weeknights. Enjoy this healthy and delicious ratatouille – a testament to the beauty of simple, flavorful cooking! It's a true showcase of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, perfect for busy cooks who still appreciate delicious dishes and homemade cooking. This recipe is sure to become one of your best recipes!