A colorful patchwork of roasted vegetables in a spectrum of deep reds, sunny yellows, purples, and verdant greens, garnished with fresh basil leaves. The vegetables sit atop fluffy, lemony quinoa, which adds an additional layer of texture and color contrast. The whole dish is presented on a modern, stark-white plate, to accentuate the symphony of colors.

Summery Vegan Ratatouille with Chilled Quinoa

Name: Summery Vegan Ratatouille with Chilled Quinoa
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 large eggplant, 1 large cut into large chunks; 1 large red bell pepper, 1 large cut into large squares; 1 large yellow bell pepper, 1 large cut into large squares; 2 large tomatoes, 2 large cut into wedges; 2 medium zucchinis, 2 medium sliced into thick rounds; olive oil, 2 tablespoons; 2 cloves of garlic, 2 cloves minced; a small bunch of fresh basil leaves, a small bunch torn; quinoa, 1 cup; fresh lemon juice, from 1 lemon; salt, to taste; freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Category Main Course

Prep 10 minutes

Cook 30 minutes

Style French

Technique Roasting

Diet Friendly Vegan

Daily Recipe: July 29, 2025

This vegan twist on a classic French Ratatouille is designed for a hot summer day. The key ingredients involved are vibrant local summer vegetables like eggplants, bell peppers, tomatoes, zucchinis and fresh herbs. This dish is light, hydrating and flavorful, making it perfect for a leisurely lunch or a refreshing dinner.

Ingredients (for 2)

1 large eggplant - 1 large - cut into large chunks
1 large red bell pepper - 1 large - cut into large squares
1 large yellow bell pepper - 1 large - cut into large squares
2 large tomatoes - 2 large - cut into wedges
2 medium zucchinis - 2 medium - sliced into thick rounds
Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
2 cloves of garlic - 2 cloves - minced
A small bunch of fresh basil leaves - a small bunch - torn
Quinoa - 1 cup
Fresh lemon juice - from 1 lemon
Salt - to taste
Freshly ground black pepper - to taste

Preparation

Step 1 - 🔥🍆🍅

Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Arrange eggplant, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, tomatoes, and zucchinis on a baking tray. Drizzle olive oil, season with salt, and black pepper.
Step 2 - 🥕🥦🔥

Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables start caramelizing.
Step 3 - 🍲💦🍽️

Rinse quinoa under cold water, then cook in a saucepan with two cups of water. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to get fluffy quinoa.
Step 4 - 🍲🍋😋

Let the cooked quinoa cool down, fluff with a fork. Add fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 5 - 🍽️🥗🌈

On serving plates, place a mound of lemony quinoa in the middle. Once the vegetables are cooled, arrange them on top of the quinoa, mixing the colors.
Step 6 - 🌿😇🍽️

Sprinkle the served plates with torn basil leaves.

Additional

Ratatouille is a classic French dish that was made famous in the international scene through the animated movie with the same name. Traditionally, it was a peasant dish and the name comes from the French term 'touiller', which means to toss food. Feel free to mix up the veggies based on what's in season and always prefer locally grown produce.