This Easy Ratatouille Recipe is a classic French vegetable stew that's packed with summer veggies, fresh basil and plenty of flavor. It's healthy comfort food!
1largered bell pepperstemmed and chopped in 1″ chunks
1largezucchinicut into 1″ pieces
1largeyellow squashcut into 1" pieces
2clovesgarlicminced
14ounceslow sodium diced tomatoes
2tablespoonstomato paste
1bay leaf
2sprigsfresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
1largesprig fresh rosemaryor 1 teaspoon dried
1/2teaspoonsea salt or to taste
1/4teaspoonfreshly ground black pepperor to taste
1tablespooncapersrinsed
1/4cupfreshly chopped basil
Instructions
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add 2 more tablespoons of olive oil to the pan and add the eggplant. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the eggplant has softened.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and add the peppers and squash. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened, then add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme and rosemary, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 20-30 minutes or until the vegetables are the desired level of doneness. Cover the the pot for the first 10 minutes to allow the vegetables to steam, then remove the lid for the remaining cooking time to allow the liquid to evaporate.
Remove from heat and stir in the capers, chopped basil and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Enjoy!
Notes
Pro tip: Prep the vegetables up to 1 day in advance to make this recipe even easier, or prep the entire dish ahead for meal prep lunches or dinner.
2 large fresh tomatoes may be used in place of the canned tomatoes if desired.
While you can certainly use dried thyme and rosemary, fresh herbs really make a difference in this recipe.
Leftovers will keep for about 5 days stored in an air tight container in the fridge and also freezes well.
Serve with crusty bread, over pasta or your favorite grains.