Easy Classic Ratatouille Recipe

I found this easy Ratatouille recipe because I got a 24cm LeCreuset Casserole pot and I wanted a French dish to be the first thing I cooked in it.

It took me over 1 year to save enough Flybuys points to get one but it would have been heaps cheaper if I bought it. I think I could have bought 3 LeCreuset Casserole pots with the money I spent to get enough points to get one! So this ain't free you do pay for it.

This recipe doesn't have garlic in it because my brother in law doesn't like it. It is still a really tasty dish and very filling teamed with polenta. It's so easy literally all you do is chop all the vegetables up put them in the pot, close the lid and let it cook. Then 30 minutes later you have Ratatouille! That's really all it is.

Just be careful you don't cut your finger like I did then need your seven year old nephew and sister to finish off cutting the rest of the veggies while you stem the bleeding. Really! I managed to recover and then my nephew helped stir the veggies while it cooked.

So easy. So good.

Easy Ratatouille Recipe

Ingredients

1 large eggplant (450 gm), cut into 1-inch pieces

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 red capsicum seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 green capsicum seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces

900gm ripe tomatoes, chopped

2 zucchini, diced

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp sweet paprika

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

extra virgin olive oil 

salt and pepper to taste

Method

Place eggplant pieces (I chose to leave skin on but you can peel if you choose) in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Leave for 20 minutes as eggplant sweats out bitterness. Pat dry.

In a 24cm Le Creuset cast iron pot or large heavy pot heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until simmering but not smoking. 

Add onions. Cook, stirring regularly, until translucent (about 5 minutes).

Incorporate the capsicums and cook for another 4 minutes continuing to stir.

Add tomatoes, zucchini and eggplant. Stir in thyme and paprika. Season with salt and pepper.

    

Turn stove down a little then place lid on pot and cook for 20 - 30 minutes stirring occasionally as the vegetables beak down.

Once to your liking remove ratatouille from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add balsamic vinegar and generous drizzle of olive oil.

Transfer ratatouille to dinner bowls and add polenta or any other side dish you choose. Enjoy.

Recipe is from The Mediterranean Dish