Ratatouille Niçoise with Basil Oil
Ratatouille Niçoise is a delicious and vibrant French vegetable dish from the Provence region. This healthy, rustic dish is made with a blend of eggplant, zucchini, peppers, onions, and tomatoes, slowly cooked with fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme. It can be served hot, cold, or at room temperature as a side dish or appetizer.
Servings: 10
Calories: 180kcal
Ingredients
- 1 medium eggplant
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 16 large fresh basil leaves
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 2 medium red peppers
- 2 medium green peppers
- 2 medium onions
- 1 head of garlic
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 0.5 cup olive oil, extra virgin
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves chopped
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, leave chopped
- 2 sprig of thyme per guest
- Basil coulis, to garnish
- Pepper, to garnish
- Balsamic reduction
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Cut the eggplant in ½ inch squares. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon rock salt and mix. Drain in a colander for 30 minutes. Cut the red and green pepper in ½ inch squares and set aside. Cut the zucchini in ½ inch squares and set aside. Cut the onion, the same size as the rest of the vegetables. Remove the core and dice the tomatoes. Chop the basil. Separate rosemary and thyme leaves from stems. Chop finely and set aside with the basil. Peel, cut in half and removed the germs of 12 garlic cloves. Chop finely and set aside.
- Sauté on high heat: In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the vegetables, salt and pepper on high. Cook until they become golden brown and then drain in a colander. (Use 2 tablespoon of olive oil for the eggplant). In a large saucepan, place a one-inch layer of vegetables. Then sprinkle with a thin layer of basil, thyme, and rosemary. Follow with some chopped garlic. Add the tomato paste. Then repeat these steps until you use all the ingredients.
- Cook the ratatouille: Place in the oven, with a lid on and cook for 3 hours at 325°F. Stir occasionally. A good ratatouille does not look nice. The vegetables should be overcooked but the flavor will "explode" out of the pot.
- How to plate: Place a small ring in the center of a plate. Fill it with hot or cold strain ratatouille. Remove the ring slowly. Garnish around with basil coulis, balsamic reduction, pepper and fresh thyme. Repeat the same steps for all the guests plates.
- This is the traditional recipe.
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Cooking Tips for Traditional Ratatouille Niçoise
- Vegetable Preparation: To prevent excess moisture from affecting the final dish, salt the eggplant before cooking and let it drain in a colander for 30 minutes. This not only reduces bitterness but also ensures the vegetables cook down nicely, creating a better texture.
- Herb Variations: While thyme and rosemary are classic herbs in Ratatouille Niçoise, feel free to experiment with others like oregano or tarragon for a unique twist. Fresh herbs can drastically change the flavor profile and enhance the dish.
- Roasting the Vegetables: For a richer, deeper flavor, try roasting the vegetables before cooking them in the saucepan. Roasting caramelizes the vegetables, adding natural sweetness and intensifying their flavor.
- Tomato Paste Alternative: If you don’t have tomato paste, consider using fresh tomatoes or canned crushed tomatoes. While the paste contributes to a thicker, more concentrated flavor, these alternatives still work well in the recipe.
- Serving and Presentation: Serve your Ratatouille warm, at room temperature, or chilled based on your preference. For a more sophisticated presentation, use a ring mold to plate the ratatouille, and garnish with basil coulis and a balsamic reduction. This will elevate the dish visually and tastefully.
- Make-Ahead Advantage: Ratatouille Niçoise improves in flavor after sitting for a day or two. Make it in advance and refrigerate it to allow the vegetables to absorb the flavors fully.
- Storage Tips: Leftover Ratatouille can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months. The slow-cooked nature of the dish makes it ideal for meal prep.
By following these tips, you can make your Ratatouille Niçoise even more flavorful and versatile, perfect for a variety of occasions.
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