Discover the charm of French cuisine with this classic Ratatouille recipe. This vibrant vegetable stew features a delightful blend of zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes, seasoned with fresh herbs for a dish that's both flavorful and healthy. Perfect as a main course or a side dish, Ratatouille is a celebration of seasonal vegetables and simple, wholesome cooking. Follow our easy recipe to create a hearty, comforting meal that captures the essence of traditional French cooking. Ideal for vegetarians and those seeking a nutritious, satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

- 1 medium zucchini, diced

- 1 medium eggplant, diced

- 1 red bell pepper, chopped

- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped

- 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1/4 cup olive oil

- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the zucchini, eggplant, and chop the bell peppers. Set aside.

Cook the Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Add the Vegetables: Add the diced eggplant and cook for 5 minutes. Then add the zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Stir to combine.

Season and Simmer: Add the fresh basil, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the vegetables simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and the flavors meld together.

Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm as a main course or side dish. Enjoy your homemade Ratatouille!

Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.

Nutritional Values

Zucchini

 - Calories: 19

 - Carbohydrates: 3.7g

 - Protein: 1.4g

 - Fat: 0.4g

 - Fiber: 1.1g

Benefits:

 - Low in calories, making it a great option for weight management.

 - Provides vitamins C and A, potassium, and folate.

 - Contains antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, beneficial for eye health.

Eggplant

 - Calories: 35

 - Carbohydrates: 8.6g

 - Protein: 0.8g

 - Fat: 0.2g

 - Fiber: 2.5g

Benefits:

 - Supports heart health with its fiber, potassium, and antioxidant content.

 - Rich in nasunin, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.

Red and Yellow Bell Peppers

 - Calories: 31

 - Carbohydrates: 7g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0.3g

 - Fiber: 2.5g

Benefits:

 - Excellent source of vitamin C, boosting the immune system and promoting skin health.

 - High in antioxidants like beta-carotene and lutein, supporting eye health.

Tomatoes

 - Calories: 32

 - Carbohydrates: 7g

 - Protein: 1.6g

 - Fat: 0.4g

 - Fiber: 2g

Benefits:

 - High in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers.

 - Provides vitamins C and K, which are important for immune function and bone health.

Onion

 - Calories: 64

 - Carbohydrates: 15g

 - Protein: 1.8g

 - Fat: 0.2g

 - Fiber: 2.7g

Benefits:

 - Contains antioxidants and compounds that help reduce inflammation.

 - Supports cardiovascular health by improving blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Garlic

 - Calories: 4

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.2g

 - Fat: 0g

 - Fiber: 0.1g

Benefits:

 - Known for its antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties.

 - Helps reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Olive Oil

 - Calories: 119

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 14g

 - Fiber: 0g

Benefits:

 - Rich in monounsaturated fats that support heart health.

 - Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Basil, Thyme, and Oregano

 - Calories: 1-2

 - Carbohydrates: 0.1g

 - Protein: 0.1g

 - Fat: 0g

 - Fiber: 0g

Benefits:

 - These herbs provide antioxidants, support digestion, and have anti-inflammatory properties.

This blend of ingredients makes Ratatouille a nutritious and healthful dish, packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.