Description
This Oven-Baked Ratatouille is a vibrant, healthy, and comforting vegetable medley featuring thinly sliced summer veggies baked with fresh herbs and olive oil. Effortless to prepare and rich in nutrients, it’s naturally gluten-free, vegan, and customizable, making it perfect as a main dish or a side for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium Eggplant
- 2 medium Zucchinis
- 2 Red Bell Peppers
- 4 medium Tomatoes
- 1 medium Onion
- 3 cloves Garlic
Herbs & Seasonings
- Fresh Thyme, Basil, or Rosemary (approx. 2 tbsp total, chopped)
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
Other
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil (plus extra for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Slice the eggplant, zucchinis, bell peppers, and tomatoes into uniform thin rounds about 1/8 inch thick to ensure even cooking and a beautiful layered appearance.
- Make the Tomato Base: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Sauté them lightly in olive oil over medium heat until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Spread this mixture evenly on the bottom of a baking dish to create a flavorful bed for the layered vegetables.
- Arrange the Veggie Layers: Carefully arrange the sliced vegetables in a circular, alternating pattern over the tomato base. Layer tightly and closely to help the vegetables steam together and develop rich flavors.
- Season and Drizzle: Sprinkle the fresh chopped herbs, salt, and black pepper evenly over the layered vegetables. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil generously on top to aid in caramelization during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 40 minutes. For the last 10 minutes, remove the foil to allow the top to brown slightly and the edges to crisp up beautifully.
Notes
- Slice vegetables uniformly to about 1/8 inch thickness for even cooking and an attractive presentation.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or rosemary for the best flavor impact.
- Don’t skip the olive oil as it enhances the natural sweetness and texture of vegetables.
- Cover the dish during baking to keep vegetables moist, then uncover to crisp the top.
- Feel free to experiment with seasonal vegetables or add mushrooms, proteins, or spices to customize the dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: ratatouille, oven-baked ratatouille, baked vegetable medley, vegan, gluten-free, healthy vegetable recipe, summer vegetables
