Summery Ratatouille

I remember watching that Disney movie “Ratatouille” a few years back and I really wanted to try their recipe! Then I saw this wonderful arrangement done by Smitten Kitchen and had to try it out. I’ve adapted the recipe from Smitten Kitchen but the arrangement idea is the same. This is a quick and simple fix when you have last minute guests- the presentation will not disappoint! It uses summer vegetables beautifully, and roasting them really brings out the nice array of colours.

There must be a story behind Ratatouille that I’m not getting, because although it’s a French dish, there really isn’t anything French about it. Many books and websites told me to serve over polenta, couscous, pasta, pita bread, and even rice! It got me a little confused over the culture scheme, but whatever, it was delicious! I had some couscous on hand, but any grain of your choice would be splendid with these yummy veggies.

Summery Ratatouille makes 6 servings

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium eggplant, sliced very thinly
• 2 small zucchinis, sliced very thinly
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced very thinly
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced very thinly
• 2 ½ cups tomato sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (optional)
• Salt and Pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spread tomato sauce in a 13”x9” glass baking pan, and sprinkle garlic, onions, and parsley on top. Season sauce generously with salt and pepper.

Arrange vegetable slices in any colour pattern you wish, around the border of the pan first, overlapping slightly so the colour of the vegetable can still be seen. Continue pattern towards the centre (kind of like a spiral). Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables, and season generously with salt and pepper. Sprinkle thyme on top. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, until vegetables are golden (should not be too brown). Serve hot over your favourite grain. It’s great over couscous or pasta, and just as tasty as a pita filling!