A Taste of Provence –
There are few dishes that capture the flavours of Provence quite like ratatouille. This rustic vegetable dish, made with tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, peppers, onions, garlic and fragrant Provençal herbs, has its roots in the sunny south of France and was traditionally enjoyed as a simple, hearty meal made from the vegetables of the season. The name ratatouille comes from the French word touiller, meaning “to stir,” a fitting description for this humble dish that brings together a colourful medley of ingredients. While there are many variations and plenty of debate over the “right” way to prepare it, at its heart, ratatouille is about fresh seasonal produce, olive oil and allowing simple ingredients to shine. After travelling through Provence and experiencing the flavours of the region, we wanted to bring a little of that experience home and try our hand at this classic Provençal recipe. We hope you enjoy it.
Prep Time: 15 mins.
Cook Time: approx. 55 mins.
Total Time: 1 hour 10 mins.
Serves: 6 as a side dish, 4 on its own
Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant, diced
- 2 zucchinis, diced
- 2 peppers sliced
- 4 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves of minced garlic
- 4-5 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 tbsp of herbes de Provence (dried)
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a Dutch oven over low to medium heat and cook the eggplant for about 8 mins until they are soft, then set aside.
- Add 1 tbsp of olive oil to the pot and cook the zucchini for about 5 to 6 mins until they start to brown, then set them aside too.
- Add the remaining olive oil to the pot cook the onions and peppers for about 10 mins, until they are soft, in the last-minute stir in the garlic until fragrant.
- Add in the tomatoes and 1 tbsp of the Herbes de Provence and some salt to taste, cover and let simmer for about 10 mins the tomatoes should start to break down.
- Add back in the eggplant and zucchini and give it a bit of a stir, cover and let simmer on low for about 20 mins.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, enjoy it on its own, over rice, with a chicken breast or some fresh bread to soak up the flavourful juices from this delicious dish.
Make this traditional dish before you go or be inspired to make it once you’ve returned from the stunningly beautiful Provence, France!
Checkout our other posts in our Provence, France Travel Series.
“Best Towns & Sights in Provence, France: Plus, Nearby Gems Worth the Trip”.
“How to Spend 4-Days in Beautiful Provence, France: A Relaxed Itinerary Based in Avignon”.
“Travel Guide to Provence, France: Where to Stay, Eat & Essential Tips.”
For fun activities like food tours or cooking classes, check out Expedia, Get your Guide, or Viator for options all over the world!
Ratatouille
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Thank you,
Beth
Beth de Verteuil
Wild Meadow Studio
Travel Guides & Photography
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