Oven-baked casserole

Oven Ratatouille – A Vegetarian Delight for Fasting Days

Introduction

Welcome to the culinary world filled with flavors and colors! Today we will prepare an oven ratatouille, a simple yet extremely tasty dish, perfect for fasting days or for anyone who wants to enjoy a light and nutritious meal. Ratatouille is a traditional recipe that combines fresh vegetables with aromatic herbs, offering not only a delicious taste but also an explosion of vitamins and minerals.

I invite you to join me on this culinary adventure and discover how you can transform simple ingredients into something truly special!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 1 medium eggplant
- 2 bell peppers (1 red and 1 yellow)
- 1 zucchini
- 1 red onion
- 1 white onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 potatoes
- 1 celery stalk
- 5-6 ripe tomatoes
- 1 handful of black olives
- 1 glass of water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oregano and basil (optional, for extra flavor)

Useful tips about ingredients

- Choose fresh vegetables! The quality of the ingredients is essential for a delicious ratatouille. Buy seasonal vegetables, which are tastier and more nutritious.
- Ripe tomatoes are ideal for cooking, as they will add a sweet taste and pleasant texture to the dish.
- If you want to explore new flavors, you can also add other vegetables, such as pumpkin, mushrooms, or even sweet potatoes.

Step-by-step preparation

1. Prepare the vegetables: Start by peeling all the vegetables. Wash them well under cold running water. Then cut them into evenly sized cubes to ensure they cook evenly.

2. Sauté the onions: In a skillet, add a few tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped red and white onions. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until they become translucent and release their inviting aroma.

3. Add the vegetables: Once the onions have softened, add all the chopped vegetables: eggplant, bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, potatoes, and celery. Mix well and let them cook for another 5-7 minutes to combine the flavors.

4. Transfer to the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C. After the vegetables have sautéed a bit, transfer them to a baking dish. Sprinkle the spices, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil to taste. Add the water to the dish, cover with aluminum foil, and place in the oven.

5. Bake the ratatouille: Let the ratatouille bake for 25 minutes. After this time, remove the dish, check the vegetables, and add the black olives, stirring gently. Cover again with foil and return to the oven.

6. Finalizing the dish: Bake the ratatouille for another 20-25 minutes, until the potatoes and other vegetables are tender. Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the potatoes; if it goes in easily, the dish is ready!

Serving

The oven ratatouille can be served either as a main dish alongside a slice of fresh bread or as a side for other dishes. It is delicious both warm and cold, and can be stored in the refrigerator to be enjoyed the next day.

Personal suggestion: For an extra flavor boost, you can add a few fresh parsley or basil leaves before serving. Additionally, a squeeze of fresh lemon will intensify the flavors and add a touch of freshness.

Nutritional benefits

This ratatouille is not only tasty but also extremely nutritious. Vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to a healthy diet. Regular consumption of vegetables helps maintain heart health and control weight.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I add other vegetables to the ratatouille?
Of course! You can experiment with various seasonal vegetables, such as pumpkin or mushrooms.

2. Is the ratatouille suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This recipe is 100% vegan and perfect for fasting days.

3. How can I store the ratatouille?
The ratatouille keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container.

4. What drinks pair well with the ratatouille?
A fresh salad and a glass of mineral water or a natural fruit juice will perfectly complement the meal.

Possible variations

If you want to bring a new twist to your ratatouille, you can try adding some exotic spices, such as cumin or turmeric, for a more intense flavor. You can also use canned tomatoes for a quicker dish, especially in the colder season.

In conclusion, the oven ratatouille is a versatile, easy-to-make recipe that will delight your taste buds and bring a splash of color to your table. I encourage you to try this recipe and personalize it to your preferences. Cooking is not just about feeding the body but also about bringing joy and warmth to the soul. Enjoy your meal!