Ratatouille (Vegan & Flavor-Full!)

 

Ratatouille (Vegan & Flavor-Full!)

Total Time: 1 hr 10 min | Prep: 25 min | Cook: 45 min | Serves: 4–6

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You ever make a dish so pretty you don’t even wanna eat it? That’s ratatouille. Layers of zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and tomato — all baked in a garlicky, herby sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but is actually super simple. Cozy, colorful, and packed with plant power.

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Veggie Layers:

• 1 small eggplant, thinly sliced

• 1 zucchini, thinly sliced

• 1 yellow squash, thinly sliced

• 2 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced into rings

• Olive oil for brushing

• Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the sauce:
   In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10–15 minutes until thick and fragrant.

2. Layer the veggies:
   Pour the sauce into the bottom of a baking dish (9x9 or round). Arrange your sliced veggies in a spiral or rows — eggplant, zucchini, squash, tomato — repeat until full.

3. Season & drizzle:
   Lightly brush or spray the top with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a little thyme.

4. Bake:
   Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes, until veggies are tender. Uncover for the last 10 minutes to get a little caramelization.

5. Serve hot or warm:
   Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with crusty bread, quinoa, or even a scoop of your favorite plant-based cheese on top.

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🧠 Mom Tips

🍅 Shortcut queen move: Use store-bought marinara if you’re short on time — no shame in that game.
🥒 Make it fancy: Layer the veggies in a perfect spiral and call it “date night.” Kids don’t care, but your guests will.
🍆 Meal prep magic: Tastes even better the next day after all those flavors mingle.

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🥣 Why I Love It

It’s basically eating the rainbow — but make it delicious. Light, hearty, and packed with summer vibes even in the middle of winter.

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