Ratatouille

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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

Ratatouille

Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner, Side
Cuisine French
Servings 4 people

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.