Provençal-Style Baked Ratatouille: Rustic Elegance

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

1 hour

Total Time

1 hour 20 minutes

Servings

Yield

Serves 6

Calories

Approximately 200 calories per serving

Our Provençal-Style Baked Ratatouille is a celebration of the French countryside, bringing together the freshest vegetables in a dish that is as visually stunning as it is delicious. This ratatouille features thinly sliced zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes, all layered in a harmonious pattern and baked to perfection. Each vegetable contributes its unique flavor and texture, while herbs de Provence and a rich tomato sauce form the base, infusing the dish with a depth of flavor that is both rustic and elegant. Perfect for a cozy dinner or as a side dish to impress at any gathering, this ratatouille is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking, showcasing how quality ingredients, treated with respect, can create a meal that is truly extraordinary.

Ingredients

1 large eggplant, thinly sliced
2 zucchinis, thinly sliced
2 yellow squash, thinly sliced
2 red bell peppers, thinly sliced
4 tomatoes, thinly sliced
2 onions, thinly sliced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 cup of olive oil
2 tablespoons of herbs de Provence
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup of tomato sauce
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large baking dish, spread the tomato sauce evenly on the bottom.
Arrange the sliced vegetables in a spiral pattern over the sauce, alternating them and overlapping slightly for a colorful and appealing presentation.
Sprinkle the minced garlic and herbs de Provence evenly over the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
Let the ratatouille cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil leaves.
Serve warm or at room temperature, enjoying the melding of flavors and textures that make this dish a Provençal classic.

Tips & Tricks

For the best flavor, use the freshest vegetables you can find, preferably from a local farmers’ market.
Slicing the vegetables thinly and evenly ensures they cook at the same rate and achieve a tender texture.
The ratatouille can be made ahead and reheated, making it a perfect dish for entertaining.
Pair with crusty bread or serve alongside grilled meats or fish for a complete meal.

Mise en Place

Ingredients

Utensils

Eggplant
Zucchinis
Yellow squash
Red bell peppers
Tomatoes
Onions
Garlic
Olive oil
Herbs de Provence
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Tomato sauce
Fresh basil leaves

Large baking dish
Aluminum foil
Knife
Cutting board

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