A vibrant rainbow of softened vegetables, with hues of red, yellow, green and purple, coated in a rich, glossy tomato sauce. Balmy sprigs of fresh thyme rest on top, while a golden crusty baguette lays nearby, ready to soak up the flavorful juices.

Classic French Ratatouille in Cast Iron

Name: Classic French Ratatouille in Cast Iron
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 large eggplant, 1 diced; 2 zucchinis, 2 sliced; 2 assorted color bell peppers, 2 chopped; 4 ripe tomatoes, 4 diced; 1 onion, 1 finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, 3 minced; 4 sprigs of thyme, 4 sprigs; 2 bay leaves, 2; 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp; 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp; 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp

Category Main Course

Prep 20 minutes

Cook 45 minutes

Style French

Technique Sautéing

Diet Friendly Vegetarian

Daily Recipe: April 22, 2024

This recipe will transport you directly to the heart of France with an aromatic and colorful classic French Ratatouille. The key ingredients for this dish are fresh summer vegetables - eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers and ripe tomatoes, combined in a harmonious mix which is then slowly cooked in a cast iron pot. The cast iron imbues the ratatouille with a deep, rich flavor that amplifies the natural tastes of the vegetables.

Ingredients (for 4)

1 large eggplant - 1 - diced
2 zucchinis - 2 - sliced
2 assorted color bell peppers - 2 - chopped
4 ripe tomatoes - 4 - diced
1 onion - 1 - finely chopped
3 garlic cloves - 3 - minced
4 sprigs of thyme - 4 sprigs
2 bay leaves - 2
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil - 2 tbsp
1 tsp salt - 1 tsp
1/2 tsp black pepper - 1/2 tsp

Preparation

Step 1 - 🥘🔥💧

Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat in your cast iron pot.
Step 2 - 🥘🧅🧄

Add 1 finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sauté them until they turn translucent.
Step 3 - 🍆🥒🌶🍅

Dice 1 large eggplant, slice 2 zucchinis, chop 2 colorful bell peppers and dice 4 ripe tomatoes. Add them to the pot, stir in 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
Step 4 - 🥘🌿🍃

Tuck 4 sprigs of thyme and 2 bay leaves into the pot.
Step 5 - 🥘⏱🔥

Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes, until the vegetables are fully cooked and their flavors have mingled together.
Step 6 - 🍽🌿🚮

Before serving, remember to remove the thyme branches and bay leaves from the pot.

Additional

This classic French meal was popularized in the movie 'Ratatouille'. The dish not only tastes wonderful, but is also versatile. You can serve it as a main course, side dish, or use it as a filling for crepes or omelettes. Kids can help with washing the vegetables and tearing the thyme sprigs. Add a sprinkle of grated cheese to make it appealing for children. You can add variety by adding different herbs like rosemary or basil.