A Perfectly Proportioned Ratatouille for One

Ratatouille is a delightful French vegetable medley that’s bursting with flavors and as colorful as a painter’s palette.

Ready to make a one-person ratatouille that has the charm of a French summer and the ease of a Netflix binge? Look no further, because this recipe will delight your taste buds faster than you can say “ooh la la!” All the details you need to create this veggie masterpiece are right here—let the culinary adventure begin!

Ratatouille: Veggie Symphony in Your Mouth

Picture a beautiful melody of fresh summer vegetables dancing in your skillet, turning into flavorsome art for your palate. This whimsical, vegetable-packed dish is like giving your tastebuds a ticket to a veggie carnival. Perfect solo evening treat!

• Cooking Method: Sautéing and Baking
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Cuisine Type: French

Ingredients

• 1/2 small eggplant, sliced into thin rounds
• 1/2 small zucchini, sliced into thin rounds
• 1/2 small yellow squash, sliced into thin rounds
• 1/2 small red bell pepper, sliced into thin rounds
• 1/2 small yellow bell pepper, sliced into thin rounds
• 1/2 small red onion, sliced into thin rounds
• 1/2 cup tomato puree
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a small baking dish with a drizzle of olive oil.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the tomato puree to the skillet, sprinkle in the dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to develop the flavors.
4. Spread the tomato sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Arrange the sliced vegetables on top in alternating rows (think: eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, onion—like they’re getting to know each other at veggie speed-dating).
6. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the top, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
8. Remove the foil, bump up the heat to 400°F (200°C), and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and starting to brown slightly.
9. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Suggestions

• Alternative Ingredients: Swap out veggies with what’s in season or your fridge—like adding mushrooms or tomatoes.
• Garnishing Options: Fresh parsley, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or even a dollop of crème fraîche.
• Cooking Tip: For an extra dreamy flavor, marinate the veggies in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for an hour before cooking.