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Few dishes capture the essence of French home cooking as perfectly as ratatouille. Originally from Provence, this colourful medley of vegetables is more than just a side dish — it is a celebration of summer’s bounty, a symbol of simplicity, and a recipe that has conquered kitchens worldwide.
The Origins of Ratatouille
The word ratatouille comes from the French verb touiller, meaning “to stir up.” In its earliest form, it was a humble dish prepared by Provençal farmers, using the season’s freshest vegetables. Over time, it became a staple of French cuisine, appreciated for its versatility, nutritional value, and rustic charm.
Why Ratatouille Is Special
Ratatouille is a true expression of Mediterranean cooking: olive oil, garlic, and herbs de Provence come together to highlight the natural sweetness of courgettes, aubergines, peppers, and tomatoes. Served warm as a side or cold as a main dish, it fits effortlessly into a casual family meal or a refined dinner.
Traditional Ratatouille Recipe
Ingredients (serves 4):
• 2 courgettes (zucchini)
• 1 aubergine (eggplant)
• 1 red pepper
• 1 yellow pepper
• 4 ripe tomatoes
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp herbes de Provence (or thyme + rosemary)
• Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
1. Slice the courgettes and aubergine into thin rounds. Dice the peppers and chop the tomatoes into small cubes.
2. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan, add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
3. Add the aubergine and peppers, cook for 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Stir in the courgettes and tomatoes, drizzle with the remaining olive oil, and season with herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper.
5. Reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer gently for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender and flavours have blended.
Serving suggestion: Serve hot with crusty French bread, or as a side with roasted chicken or grilled fish. Ratatouille is also delicious cold the next day, when the flavours have deepened even more.
The Charm of Simplicity
What makes ratatouille timeless is its ability to be both humble and elegant. It embodies the idea that simple, seasonal ingredients can create something extraordinary. For many, the first spoonful of ratatouille is not just a taste of Provence but also a reminder that the best recipes are often the simplest ones.
