Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a French Provençal stewed vegetable dish. It is wonderful both hot or cold and can be served as a main dish, side dish or even as an appetizer.

Ingredients :

Veggies :

• 1 yellow courgette
• 1 green courgette
• 1 aubergine
• 3-4 tomatoes

Sauce :

• 1 can of peeled tomatoes
• 2 onions
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp of olive oil
• 2 red peppers
• fresh basil
• salt, pepper, italian herbs

Dressing :

• fresh basil or rosemary
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• optional : grana padano (I usually add it next to the plate so that this dish can be a fit for both vegans & vegetarians)

Time :

• Prepare : 15 minutes
• Bake : 45 minutes

Method :

1. Preheat the oven to 190 degrees C.
2. Slice the veggies into small round pieces, then set them aside. If the veggie slice is too big, cut it into two.
3. Prepare the sauce : heat the olive oil, add the chopped onion, garlic and bell peppers and stir until soft (aprox. 7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper and italian herbs and add the crushed tomatoes from the can. Cook for about 5 minutes more ensuring that the ingredients are fully incorporated. Remove from the heat and add the sauce in the oven baking dish (ceramic).
4. Arrange the sliced vegetables on top of the sauce from the outer edge to the middle of the pan. Try to follow an order (e.g. aubergine, yellow courgette, tomato, green courgette).
5. Prepare a herb dressing by mixing together the 2-3 tbsps of olive oil, fresh basil, minced garlic, salt & pepper. Add the herb seasoning over the veggies using a brush.
6. Bake for 45 minutes or until the vegetables are softened and well cooked.