Ratatouille in a casserole dish or in the oven
The ratatouille recipe is a classic of Provençal French cuisine, similar to a stew, with many variations. In this dish, each ingredient is cooked separately and then combined for a slow, shared cooking process that concentrates all the flavors.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In the casserole dish: First cut the onions and put the olive oil in the pot until they are lightly golden
- Then wash and cut the courgettes into slices about half a centimeter thick, then wash and cut the peppers and/or chilies into strips and add them to the pot with salt so they sweat and become tender
- You can add any Provençal herb except oregano, because its flavor is lost during cooking
- Now add the tomato sauce
- Mix everything with the wooden spoon until it becomes a well-concentrated sauce, stirring carefully, and let it cook for about 20 more minutes. Once cooking is done, add the oregano and the minced garlic.
- In the oven: Put the olive oil in the bottom of the oven tray
- Wash and cut the courgettes into slices about half a centimeter thick, cut the onions, peppers of any color or chili to taste (both optional), crushed garlic, and place them in the oven.
- Put the tomato sauce onto the oven dish.
- Add the oregano, thyme and rosemary — you can add any Provençal herb — and mix the preparation.
- Put the oven tray in the preheated oven at 150°C and wait about 2h to 2h30, more or less.
Notes
Chef's tip
- Patience: The secret to a good ratatouille is slow cooking; the longer it cooks over low heat, the better the flavors will meld together.
- Fresh vegetables: Choose firm, seasonal vegetables for the best texture.
Nutritional values (per 100g)
- Calories: 55 kcal
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g (of which sugars 3.5 g)
- Fat: 3 g (of which saturated fatty acids 0.4 g)
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Salt: 0.3 g
Benefits of Ratatouille
- Rich in antioxidants: Thanks to the variety of vegetables (courgette, tomato, pepper), the dish is an excellent source of natural antioxidants that help fight cellular aging.
- High in fiber: Supports digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut microbiota.
- Low in calories: Ideal for light, balanced diets.
- Gluten-free and vegan: Suitable for all types of diets and allergies.
Benefits according to Traditional Chinese Medicine
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), ratatouille harmonizes and strengthens the body thanks to the combination of vegetables of different colors and natures:- Courgette (neutral, cooling nature): Hydrates and helps eliminate toxins.
- Tomato (cooling nature): Cools the blood and promotes hydration.
- Pepper (warming nature): Activates circulation and tonifies energy.
- Garlic and onion (warming, pungent nature): Mobilize Qi, aid digestion, and protect against colds.