Chef notes
I love serving meals family-style. This is a perfect recipe to serve in that fashion, plus it is also so nourishing and satisfying.
Technique tip: Be sure to cut the vegetables in similar size so that all components cook evenly.
Swap option: You can swap in any vegetable that is in season, if preferred!
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for serving
- 1½ pounds purple eggplant (about 1 large), cut into large dice
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 zucchini, cut into large dice
- 3/4 yellow summer squash, cut into large dish
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into large dice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pound tomatoes (3 to 4 medium), cut into large dice
- freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
Preparation
1.In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the eggplant, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned in spots, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.
2.In the same pot, heat 2 more tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the zucchini and yellow squash, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned in spots, about 2 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with the eggplant.
3.Return the pot to medium heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the onion and red bell pepper, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and just beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes.
4.Stir the garlic, thyme, bay leaf and tomatoes into the pot then stir in the reserved vegetables. Bring to a simmer, then continue to simmer for 1 hour or until everything has melded together.
5.Fish out the bay leaf and thyme sprigs and discard. Taste the ratatouille and season with salt and pepper to taste. Finish with Parmesan cheese and stir in the basil. Serve with a nice drizzle of olive oil.
