Ratatouille Inspired by the Movie

Remy is calling…

Have you seen the movie Ratatouille? There is something so nostalgic about this iconic French dish that inspired the beloved animated film. It celebrates the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Every time I make it, I think of Paris. While some people find the city overwhelming, I’ve always found it incredibly romantic. Whenever I miss Paris, I make ratatouille. 

Traditionally, this dish comes from Provence, though, a region in the south of France known for its beautiful landscapes, fresh seasonal produce, and Mediterranean flavours. This recipe is a slightly modern take on the classic, inspired by the beautiful layered version many of us know from the movie.

Anyways, enjoy ❤︎⁠
some serving suggestions can be found below.

The Recipe

Servings: 6 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 55–60 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow summer squash, thinly sliced
• 2 small eggplants, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and sauté for 8–10 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic, half of the thyme, and half of the basil, and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add the tomato sauce and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in the red wine vinegar, and spread the sauce evenly in the skillet or baking dish.
5. Arrange the zucchini, squash, eggplant, and tomato slices in overlapping layers over the sauce.
6. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, season with the remaining thyme, salt, and black pepper, and cover with foil.
7. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
8. Let the ratatouille rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with the remaining fresh basil before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm as a side dish alongside herb-crusted fish, grilled chicken, or roasted tofu for a balanced meal.
• Enjoy it with fresh crusty sourdough bread to soak up the flavourful tomato and herb sauce, plus you can add burrata or fresh mozzarela – would be devine…
• Pair it with quinoa, bulgur, brown rice, or couscous for a more filling plant-based meal.
• Like many traditional French dishes, ratatouille tastes even better the next day, after the flavours have had time to develop.

Nutritional Information

Approx. Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 170 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Carbohydrates: 12 g | Fiber: 4 g | Fat: 12 g

Dietary Information

Vegan | Dairy-Free | Gluten-Free | Egg-Free | High-Fiber