Name: Classic Ratatouille
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 105 min
Yield: Serves 6-8
Ingredients: 2 large eggplants (about 2 pounds), cut into 1-inch cubes; 3 medium zucchini (about 1.5 pounds), cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 red bell peppers, seeded and cut into 1-inch squares; 2 yellow bell peppers, seeded and cut into 1-inch squares; 1 large onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 6 ripe tomatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and diced; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 bay leaf; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnish; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the vegetables

Wash and cut all the vegetables according to instructions. Place the cubed eggplant in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit for 15 minutes to release excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
Sauté the vegetables separately

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Sauté the eggplant until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside. Repeat with 1 tablespoon olive oil and zucchini, then again with the bell peppers, cooking each vegetable separately.
Cook the base

In the same pot, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the diced tomatoes, bay leaf, and thyme. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes have broken down slightly.
Combine and simmer

Return all the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the tomato mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all vegetables are tender but still retain their shape.
Finish and serve

Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Stir in the chopped basil and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Let stand for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves.

Classic Ratatouille

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutritional Information