Welcome to this week’s culinary spotlight, where we explore the flavours and stories behind various dishes from different cultures and countries worldwide. This week, we’re savouring a classic French favourite, Ratatouille.

A beloved French dish celebrated for its simple but tasty blend of flavours and colourful presentation. It’s traditionally made with vegetables like tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, which are layered or, like the French say, “sautéed” together in a rich tomato-based sauce. For this week’s culinary delight, we will be giving out a full recipe on Ratatouille, so let’s get into it.

Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis, sliced thin

1 medium eggplant, thinly sliced

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced

2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried basil

Fresh rosemary and basil leaves for garnish

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add salt, pepper, thyme, and basil, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the flavours meld. Set aside.

Arrange the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a round baking dish, pour a layer of tomato sauce as the base.

Arrange slices of zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes alternately around the dish, overlapping slightly to create a visually appealing pattern.

Season and Bake

Drizzle the arranged vegetables with olive oil and season with extra salt and pepper.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 20 minutes, allowing the vegetables to caramelize slightly.

Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh rosemary and basil before serving for an added burst of flavour.

Serve Ratatouille as a main course with crusty bread or as a side with meat or fish.

Extra Tips for the Perfect Ratatouille

Use fresh, seasonal vegetables. The fresher the vegetables, the better the flavour.

Layer the vegetables neatly, or you could toss them together for a more homely look.

Add a balsamic vinegar or lemon zest splash for a tangy twist before baking.

Ratatouille is a fantastic way to enjoy the natural flavours of vegetables while enjoying traditional French cuisine.

 

Johnson Chukwueke
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