Chef Remy, the charismatic rat protagonist from Disney’s Ratatouille, embodies the spirit of culinary creativity and passion, transforming the humble ratatouille dish into a gastronomic masterpiece. In the film, Remy reimagines this traditional vegetable stew with a refined presentation reminding us that “anyone can cook!”
Ratatouille is the best way to enjoy fresh summer vegetables. This dish is delicious, healthy, and packed with flavor.
Ratatouille
I am intimidated by a lot of French recipes. French cooking is such a classic, revered technique. However, once I try a French recipe I realize that it is easier than I thought, and of course it tastes amazing! That was my experience with Ratatouille. My kids asked me to make it after watching the Disney movie (I don’t think they realized that it was all vegetables haha) and now I make it all the time. I love the fresh, tender vegetables and the rich tomato sauce.
Ratatouille Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 eggplant
- 2 zucchini
- 1 red onion
- 6 roma tomatoes
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 white onion diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 bell peppers diced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 8-10 basil leaves sliced
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375.Slice the eggplant, zucchini, red onion, and Roma tomatoes. Set aside.
For the Sauce
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.Add onions, garlic, and peppers, and saute until soft and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add crushed tomatoes, basil, and salt and pepper.
For the Ratatouille
- Step 1: Place sliced vegetables on top of the sauce in a spiral shape around the pan and into the center.Drizzle lightly with olive oil and top with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.Remove foil and bake for 20 more minutes.
- Step 3: Serve hot over pasta or as a stand-alone dish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Should ratatouille be eaten warm or cold?
The terrific thing about a traditional ratatouille recipe is that you can eat it hot for dinner, then serve leftovers cold for brunch or lunch the next day. It’s delicious either way.
Does ratatouille get soggy?
To avoid mushy veggies, be careful to not overcook them. They should be soft and cooked through, but not too soft. Otherwise you’ll end up with a more of a vegetable stew consistency.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Even better, you can store it in the freezer for up to a month.
Is Ratatouille gluten free?
Yes, this dish is ideal for gluten free, paleo or vegan diets.
What to Serve with Ratatouille
Eat this ratatouille recipe on its own, or pour the veggie dish over pasta, potatoes, bread or rice. Or if you want a more substantial meal, serve in a simple baking dish alongside any of your favorite main courses. It’s perfectly paired with herb chicken, steak, or a hearty meatloaf.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First you want to slice all of your vegetables. I sliced them all in rounds, except for the eggplant which was much bigger than the others so I cut it in fourths. For this recipe I used eggplant, zucchini, roma tomatoes, and red onions. Ratatouille also usually includes yellow squash, but these are the veggies I had on hand. You could also add yellow bell pepper or red peppers.
- Next, make your sauce. I used a cast iron skillet so I could transfer the dish directly into the oven. However, you can also use a saucepan to stir the sauce and then transfer it into a casserole dish before adding your veggies on top. Saute the onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Add crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, salt, and pepper. For a spicier dish, add some red pepper flakes. You can also top with fresh parsley, thyme or any other herbs you have on hand.
- Now for the fun part! Place your sliced vegetables in an alternating pattern in a swirl around the skillet.
- Then, drizzle a little bit of olive oil over the top and add salt and pepper to taste. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes at 375. When the timer goes off, take off the aluminum foil and bake for 20 more minutes.
Interested in More Disney Recipes?
From a yummy Dole Whip recipe to a Dinner in a Pumpkin Recipe Fit for Cinderella’s Royal Feast, these recipes will transport you to Disney Parks and movies. Check out Disney foodie favorites on our recipe page!
This post originally appeared on Favorite Family Recipes.
