FRENCH-INSPIRED RATATOUILLE SIDE DISH

Last night, I prepared a side dish inspired by the famous French Ratatouille. It pairs beautifully with any grilled meat, but during fasting periods, it can be served as a main course with toasted bread or alongside a bowl of pasta or rice.

---

🕒 Prep & Cook Time: 50-60 min

🍽️ Servings: 4

---

Ingredients

• 2 small zucchinis
• 2 small eggplants
• 2 red bell peppers
• 1 onion
• 10 cherry tomatoes
• 6 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Herbes de Provence
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 4-5 garlic cloves
• 1/4 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

---

Instructions

1. Slice zucchinis and eggplants into 1-inch thick rounds. If eggplant rounds are large, halve them. Slice bell peppers into thick strips. Peel and cut onion into 6 wedges.
2. Sprinkle salt and pepper over all the vegetables and toss well. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil and mix until vegetables are evenly coated.
3. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and spread the bell pepper slices evenly. Roast in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 10 minutes.
4. Add the rest of the vegetables to the tray in a single layer without overcrowding. If needed, use two trays or roast in batches.
5. Roast for 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
6. Turn on the oven grill (top heat) and roast for an additional 5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
7. Meanwhile, heat 4 tablespoons olive oil in a large, deep pan. Add Herbes de Provence, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Pour in 1 cup of water and simmer with the lid on for 5 minutes.
8. Add crushed garlic and chopped parsley to the sauce and bring just to a boil.
9. Add the roasted vegetables to the sauce and cook gently for about 3 minutes, stirring lightly to coat the vegetables.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

---

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm as a side dish with grilled meats or as a main vegetarian meal with toasted bread, pasta, or rice.

---

💡 Tips

• Avoid overcrowding vegetables in the baking tray to ensure even roasting.
• Use fresh Herbes de Provence for the best aroma and flavor.
• Stir gently when combining vegetables with the sauce to keep them intact.

---

📝 Final Thoughts

This French-inspired ratatouille captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking with roasted vegetables infused in a fragrant, lightly spiced sauce. It’s a versatile dish that’s both comforting and healthy, perfect for any season or meal occasion.