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Easy One-Pot Ratatouille: A Simple and Wholesome Delight

Ratatouille is a classic French dish that celebrates the flavours of summer with its vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs. Traditionally, this dish is known for its labour-intensive preparation, but we’ve simplified it into an easy one-pot recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a nutritious meal without the fuss, this Easy One-Pot Ratatouille is both hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients

To create this delightful dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 aubergine (eggplant), diced
• 2 courgettes (zucchini), sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• A pinch of salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Method

1. Prep Your Vegetables:
   Begin by washing and chopping all your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. This not only makes for an aesthetically pleasing dish but also ensures that everything cooks evenly.

2. Start with the Base:
   In a large pot or deep frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and the onions turn translucent, usually about 3–4 minutes. This step builds the dish’s flavour base.

3. Add the Vegetables:
   Toss in the diced aubergine, courgettes, and bell peppers. Stir well to coat them with the oil and garlic mixture. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

4. Incorporate Tomatoes:
   Pour in the tinned chopped tomatoes, and add the dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. The tomatoes will add natural acidity and richness to balance out the veggies.

5. Simmer Away:
   Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot. Let it cook for around 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking. The aim is to achieve a tender yet vibrant blend of vegetables that retains their individual flavours.

6. Finishing Touches:
   After 20 minutes, the ratatouille should be perfectly cooked—a beautiful medley of colours and aromas. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

7. Serve:
   Ladle the ratatouille into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves for an added burst of flavour. It can be enjoyed on its own, with crusty bread, or served alongside rice or pasta.

Tips for Variation

What’s great about ratatouille is its adaptability. Feel free to throw in any seasonal vegetables you have on hand—such as mushrooms or spinach. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if you’re not strictly adhering to a vegan diet.

Conclusion

This Easy One-Pot Ratatouille is not just delicious but also a fantastic way to incorporate a rainbow of vegetables into your diet. It’s an ideal dish for both experienced cooks and kitchen novices alike, bringing a taste of France right into your home with minimal effort. Whether enjoyed warm or cold as leftovers, this ratatouille is sure to become a repeat favourite in your weekly meal rotation. So gather your ingredients, embrace the simplicity of one-pot cooking, and enjoy this heartwarming dish!

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