Vegan Ratatouille Recipe
If your taste buds are tired of bland veggies acting like they’re the life of the party, meet Ratatouille—the dish that doesn’t just invite flavor, it throws a full-blown veggie rave. A French-inspired symphony of tender vegetables cooked to perfection without a hint of dairy or meat. It’s rustic enough for farmers but fancy enough to impress your self-righteous vegan friend. The real kicker? All you need are simple ingredients and some patience to make magic happen in the kitchen. Think humble meets haute cuisine, with zero snooty vibes—because veggies shouldn’t be boring.
Vegan Ratatouille Recipe
Ratatouille is a classic French vegetable medley sautéed and stewed to perfection with a rich, tangy tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant cubed
- 2 zucchinis sliced into rounds
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper diced
- 1 large onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 4 medium tomatoes chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes optional
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add garlic and onions, stirring until golden and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
- Toss in eggplant cubes and stir for 7 minutes until they soften and start to brown.
- Add bell peppers and zucchini slices. Sprinkle with thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes. Mix thoroughly, cover, and let simmer for 25 minutes until the vegetables are tender and sauce thickens.
- Taste the dish. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot with crusty bread or as a side to grains.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving):
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 3g
Vitamins and Minerals (Approximate Values Per Serving):
- Vitamin C: 45%
- Vitamin A: 20%
- Potassium: 18%
- Iron: 10%
- Calcium: 5%
Additional Notes & Tips:
- Roast the vegetables beforehand for deeper caramelized flavors.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra zing.
- For a Mediterranean twist, top with olives before serving.
- This dish tastes even better the next day when the flavors fully develop.
