Rich and Hearty Veggie Stew
Cozy Up with a Bowl of Rich and Hearty Veggie Stew (Ratatouille)
Looking for a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying meal? Our Rich and Hearty Veggie Stew (Ratatouille) is the answer! This isn’t your average vegetable stew – it’s a celebration of fresh, Mediterranean flavors, perfect for a chilly evening or a light yet filling lunch. Inspired by the classic French dish, our version is easy to make and packed with nutrients.
This Ratatouille recipe is a fantastic way to use up summer’s bounty of vegetables. The combination of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes creates a symphony of textures and tastes. A splash of balsamic vinegar adds a delightful tang, while Kalamata olives provide a salty, briny kick. And the crumbled feta? Pure bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Ratatouille:
- Flavorful & Satisfying: A delicious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Easy to Make: Simple instructions and readily available ingredients.
- Versatile: Perfect as a main course, side dish, or even a topping for pasta or grilled bread.
- Vegetarian & Gluten-Free: Suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.
Tips for the Best Ratatouille:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Sauté the vegetables in batches if necessary to ensure they brown properly.
- Use high-quality olive oil: It makes a big difference in the flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking: Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or herbs.
- Let it simmer: Allowing the stew to simmer for a bit longer will help the flavors meld together.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use different vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or potatoes.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Ratatouille actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to develop. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Is this dish vegan?
A: Not as written, due to the feta cheese. You can easily make it vegan by omitting the feta or substituting it with a vegan feta alternative.
Q: What can I serve with this Ratatouille?
A: It’s delicious served with crusty bread for dipping, couscous, quinoa, or a simple green salad. You can also top it with a fried egg for a heartier meal.
Get ready to enjoy a bowl of sunshine with our Rich and Hearty Veggie Stew (Ratatouille)!
Rich and Hearty Veggie Stew (Ratatouille)
Ingredients
- 1 each eggplant
- 1 large onion any color
- 2 each bell peppers red, orange, or yellow
- 2 each zucchini
- 2 each yellow squash
- 1 28-oz can diced tomatoes
- large handful basil leaves
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives chopped
- 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- as needed extra virgin olive oil
- to taste salt & pepper
Instructions
- Cut the eggplant into 1/2-inch cubes. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add a generous drizzle of olive oil, and add the eggplant to the pan. Sprinkle with salt & pepper, then saute for 5-8 minutes or until eggplant softens.
- Meanwhile, cut the onion, bell pepper, and zucchini into 1/2-inch pieces. When the eggplant is soft, remove to a large bowl. Add more olive oil to the pan along with the onion and bell pepper. Saute until soft, another 5-8 minutes.
- Remove to the bowl with the eggplant, then saute the zucchini & squash about 5 minutes with salt & pepper. Add the whole can of tomatoes to the zucchini and cook a few more minutes.
- Return the eggplant, peppers, and onions to the pan, then add the vinegar, olives, and basil leaves and stir to combine.
- Serve hot, with crumbled feta cheese (and toasted sliced almonds if you want) on top.
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