Hey friends, are you ready to try something totally fresh and tasty tonight? If you want a dinner that is warm, full of garden veggies, and super simple to make, you are in the right spot. Today, we are talking about a famous French dish called ratatouille. Do not let the fancy name scare you away. It is really just a wonderful stew of tender summer vegetables cooked slowly with garlic and herbs.
Making a great dinner does not mean you have to spend hours doing hard work in the kitchen. This meal lets the natural flavors of the vegetables shine bright. If you love good food, you might also enjoy checking out Azeely for more fun meal ideas. Let us jump right in and see what you need to put this wonderful dish on your table.
Ingredients Needed
Before you start cooking, you want to make sure your kitchen is stocked with the right fresh produce. Here is everything you need to grab from your local market:
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* 1 medium eggplant, cut into small cubes
* 2 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
* 1 yellow squash, sliced into rounds
* 3 ripe red tomatoes, chopped
* 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 yellow onion, finely diced
* 4 cloves of garlic, minced
* 3 tablespoons of olive oil
* 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Fresh basil leaves for topping
Step By Step Making
Now that you have all your vegetables ready, it is time to turn on the stove. Just follow these easy steps to get everything cooked to perfection.
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* First, grab a large pot or a deep skillet. Put it on the stove over medium heat and add two tablespoons of olive oil.
* Add your chopped onions and minced garlic to the warm oil. Cook them for about five minutes until the onions turn soft and see through.
* Next, toss in the chopped red bell pepper and the cubed eggplant. Stir everything together and let it cook for about seven minutes. The eggplant will start to soften up nicely.
* Now, add the zucchini slices and yellow squash rounds into the pot. Pour in the remaining olive oil and stir gently so all the veggies get coated.
* Add your chopped tomatoes, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything one more time to mix all those great flavors together.
* Turn the heat down to low. Put a lid on your pot and let the mixture simmer gently for about twenty five to thirty minutes. Stir it occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom.
* Once all the vegetables are soft and tender, take the pot off the heat. Taste it and add a little more salt or pepper if you think it needs it.
* Finally, tear up some fresh basil leaves and scatter them right over the top of the hot ratatouille before serving.
Nutritional Value
Eating healthy should always feel good and taste even better. Here is a quick look at the numbers for a standard serving of this delicious vegetable stew:
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* Protein: 4 grams
* Calories: 180 calories
* Carbs: 22 grams
Health Benefits
This meal is packed with good stuff for your body. Because it is loaded with colorful vegetables, you get a huge boost of vitamins and minerals. Bell peppers and tomatoes bring a lot of vitamin C, which helps keep your immune system strong. Eggplant and squash are high in fiber, keeping your tummy happy and helping you feel full for a long time.
Using olive oil gives your body healthy fats that are great for your heart. Plus, cooking at home lets you control exactly what goes into your food, keeping extra preservatives and heavy sauces away from your plate. It is a light yet filling dinner that leaves you feeling energized instead of weighed down.
If you want to plan out your week, you can even pair your morning routine with some Fluffy Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes: Your New Favorite Breakfast to keep your nutrition on track all day long. Enjoy your cooking tonight, and have a wonderful dinner with the people you love.
Disclaimer: This recipe information is provided by azeely.com for general informational purposes only.
