How to Make Ratatouille – Authentic Ratatouille (Recipe Guide)

Our full recipe guide on how to make Ratatouille one of the most popular dishes in France.

Ratatouille is a traditional French Provençal stewed vegetable dish that originates from Nice. It’s celebrated for its vibrant colors and healthy ingredients, primarily featuring summer vegetables.

Ratatouille can be prepared as a stew or more artistically, like in the movie “Ratatouille.” Here’s how to make an authentic Ratatouille, using the method that layers the vegetables neatly in a dish, which some might call “confit byaldi,” the variation popularized by the film.

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How to Make Ratatouille

Ratatouille Recipe Ingredients

1 eggplant, thinly sliced
1 zucchini, thinly sliced
1 yellow squash, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper (red or yellow), finely chopped
4 tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 onion
2-3 cloves of garlic
1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Salt and pepper
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

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Step By Step How to Make Ratatouille

Step 1 – Prepare the Tomato Sauce

In a large skillet or pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper, then spread this mixture on the bottom of your cast iron skillet or a baking dish. This will serve as a flavorful base for your vegetable slices.

Step 2 – Layer the Vegetables

Arrange the Slices: Start layering the vegetable slices (eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, and tomatoes) over the tomato base in a circular pattern. Alternate them and try to pack them tight. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 3 – Bake the Ratatouille

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the skillet or dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper to keep the moisture in and prevent the vegetables from browning too quickly. Place in the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are soft and slightly browned at the edges.

Step 4 – Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, let the ratatouille cool slightly before garnishing with fresh basil leaves.
Serving Suggestions: Ratatouille can be served as a main dish with crusty bread, as a side dish to meats or fish, or it can be enjoyed cold, making it versatile for different meal options.

Tips To Make Ratatouille

Choose fresh and firm vegetables, as they will hold up better during cooking. Ensure all vegetable slices are approximately the same thickness to cook evenly.

Ratatouille tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together, so consider making it in advance.

How Many Calories Has A Ratatouille

Eggplant has about 35 calories, Zucchini 20 calories, Yellow Squash 18 calories, Bell Pepper 24 calories, Tomatoes 22 calories, Onion 46 calories, Garlic 4 calories per clove and Olive Oil has about 120 calories.

One serving could be around 100-150 calories.