Enjoy your homemade vegetable ratatouille either as a main course or as a charming side dish. This classic French dish is a medley of fresh vegetables, typically including courgettes, aubergines, and tomatoes, cooked to perfection with fragrant herbs. Its rich flavours and vibrant colours make it a wonderful addition to any meal, offering both a healthy and delicious option for your dining experience. Whether you're serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it as a comforting meal at home, vegetable ratatouille is sure to impress.
Begin by preparing all the vegetables as described in the ingredients list. This will make the cooking process smoother.
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the chopped red and yellow peppers to the pan. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
Incorporate the diced aubergine and sliced courgettes into the pan. Stir well and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften.
Add the chopped tomatoes, thyme, and oregano to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to combine well.
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The vegetables should become tender and the flavours will blend together beautifully.
Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish the ratatouille with fresh basil leaves before serving.