Description

Baked Ratatouille is a vibrant and hearty dish that showcases the beauty of summer vegetables, making it perfect for any occasion. This colorful bake combines tender layers of zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes, all enveloped in a rich garlic-infused tomato sauce. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also a nutritious way to enjoy a medley of garden-fresh produce. Whether served as a main course or a delightful side dish, this ratatouille is versatile enough to elevate any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
1 small onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
14 oz canned diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (divided)
1 small eggplant, sliced into ½-inch rounds
1 medium zucchini, sliced into ½-inch rounds
1 medium yellow squash, sliced into ½-inch rounds
3 Roma tomatoes, sliced into ½-inch rounds

Instructions

Sauté the sauce base: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook onion and bell pepper for about 8 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
Simmer the tomatoes: Stir in canned tomatoes along with salt and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Allow to simmer for about 10 minutes before letting it cool slightly.
Blend: Pour the mixture into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Transfer the sauce into a round baking pan or oven-safe skillet.
Arrange the vegetables: Layer the eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, and Roma tomatoes in a spiral or overlapping pattern on top of the sauce.
Bake: Drizzle with remaining olive oil and sprinkle with the rest of the Italian seasoning. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15–30 minutes until vegetables are tender with golden edges.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 120
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Choose seasonal vegetables for maximum flavor. For added depth, consider adding other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. Let the dish sit for a few minutes after baking to enhance flavors before serving.