Ratatouille | Easy French Vegetable Stew Recipe

This ratatouille is so simple to make, and packed with vibrant vegetables in a rich, tomatoey sauce, which means it goes with just about anything. There’s something truly special about a classic ratatouille: aubergine, courgette, peppers and tomatoes slowly cook together until they become soft, silky, and full of sunshiney flavour.
It’s a dish that feels both rustic and elegant, simple yet incredibly satisfying. Whether you serve it as a hearty vegetarian main or as a colourful side alongside grilled meats, fish, or crusty bread, ratatouille is one of those timeless recipes that brings warmth and comfort to the table
Serving Suggestions for Ratatouille
- Grilled Chicken — lemony, herby chicken works beautifully with the soft, sweet vegetables.
- Steak or Lamb Chops — charred, savoury meat balanced by the freshness of ratatouille.
- Roast Pork or Pork Chops — the dish’s acidity cuts through pork’s natural sweetness.
- White Fish (Cod, Haddock, Sea Bass) — clean, mild fish with vibrant vegetables is a perfect match.
- Salmon — rich, oily salmon lifted by the tomato‑aubergine base.
- Sausages — herby or garlic sausages pair especially well.
- Rice, Couscous or Quinoa — simple grains that soak up the juices.
- Pasta — toss the ratatouille through penne or spaghetti for an instant vegetarian main.
- Crusty French Bread — perfect for scooping up the soft vegetables and juices.
- Saffron Rice — aromatic and colourful; a lovely contrast.
- Green Salad — sharp vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Polenta (creamy or grilled) — soft, comforting base for the vegetables.
- Roast Potatoes or Chips — hearty, cosy, and surprisingly perfect.
Variations for Ratatouille
- Cheesy Ratatouille — Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or mozzarella before serving for a rich, cheesy finish.
- Chorizo Ratatouille — Add sliced chorizo for smoky flavour and extra heartiness.
- Herby Ratatouille — Increase the basil, thyme, and oregano for a more aromatic, herb-packed dish.
- Spicy Ratatouille — Add chilli flakes or fresh chilli for a warming kick that complements the sweet vegetables.
- Roasted Ratatouille — Roast the vegetables instead of simmering them for deeper caramelised flavours and texture.
- Mediterranean Ratatouille — Stir in olives and capers for a briny Mediterranean-inspired twist.
- Chickpea Ratatouille — Add chickpeas for extra protein and a more substantial vegetarian meal.
- Ratatouille with Feta — Top with crumbled feta for a creamy, salty contrast to the rich tomato sauce.
- Mushroom Ratatouille — Add mushrooms for extra texture and earthy depth of flavour.
- Butter Bean Ratatouille — Stir through butter beans to create a heartier and more filling dish.
- Ratatouille Pasta Bake — Mix the ratatouille with cooked pasta, top with cheese, and bake until golden.
- Ratatouille with Halloumi — Serve with grilled halloumi for a satisfying Mediterranean-style meal.
- Lentil Ratatouille — Add green or puy lentils for extra protein and a hearty texture.
- Balsamic Ratatouille — Finish with a splash of balsamic vinegar to enhance the sweetness of the vegetables.
- Ratatouille with Pine Nuts — Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts before serving for added crunch and nutty flavour.

Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a classic French vegetable dish combining aubergine, courgettes, peppers, and tomatoes, slowly cooked together to create rich, comforting Mediterranean flavours.
Equipment
- Griddle pan
- frying pan
Ingredients
- 1 courgette
- 1 aubergine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 mixed peppers, sliced (or handful of frozen mixed peppers
- 2 onions, halved and sliced
- 1 tsp harissa
- ½ tsp garlic paste
- 500 g passata
- 150 g water
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- ½ tbsp basil
- ½ tbsp oregano
- large pinch of ground pepper
Instructions
- Halve the courgettes lengthways and thickly slice the aubergines. Place in a griddle pan and cook on both sides until they are slightly charred. Remove and set aside.
- In a large pan, add the olive oil, peppers and onions and cook for around 5mins. Then add the harissa and garlic and stir for a few mins.
- Slice the courgettes and cut the aubergines into quarters and add to the pan.
- Stir in the passata, water, vinegar, basil, oregano and season with pepper and simmer for around 10mins and serve when ready.
Top tip:
- This dish is great to make ahead and then reheat when you're ready to serve.
