
European · 60 min · Medium · 4 servings
Ratatouille
The Provençal summer-vegetable stew, cooked the honest way — each vegetable browned so it keeps its character, then folded together to melt into a glossy, herby whole.
~250 cal per serving — Calories are approximate, per serving — a guide only.
Method
- 1
Brown the eggplant
⏱ 8 minHeat a good glug of the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry the eggplant until golden and soft, adding a splash more oil if it drinks it all up. Tip out and set aside.
- 2
Brown the zucchini and peppers
⏱ 7 minAdd a little more oil and fry the zucchini and peppers in the same pan until browned at the edges but still holding their shape. Set aside with the eggplant.
- 3
Soften the base
⏱ 7 minLower the heat, add the last of the oil and cook the onion and garlic gently until soft and sweet, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- 4
Simmer together
⏱ 15 minReturn all the vegetables, add the tomatoes, oregano and thyme, and season. Simmer gently, stirring now and then, until everything is tender and the sauce has reduced and turned glossy.
- 5
Rest and finish
Fish out the thyme stalks, taste for salt and pepper, and tear the basil through. Ratatouille is best after resting a few minutes — even better the next day, warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Cooking the vegetables in batches instead of dumping them in together is what stops it turning to gray mush — each one gets a chance to brown. Serve with crusty bread, rice or polenta.