Ratatouille, a rustic French dish, gained global fame thanks to Pixar’s movie “Ratatouille”. In this charming animation, the little rat Remy wins over Paris with his version of this classic. Here’s how you can bring some of Remy’s magic into your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 zucchinis
- 2 eggplants
- 2 red bell peppers
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- 2 onions
- 4 cloves of garlic
- Olive oil
- Fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tomato sauce (optional for the base)
Step by Step:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash all the vegetables. Slice the zucchinis, eggplants, bell peppers, and tomatoes into thin rounds. Finely chop the onions and garlic.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic:
- Heat some olive oil in a pan. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until they are golden and fragrant.
- Assemble the Ratatouille:
- If desired, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Start arranging the vegetable slices vertically, alternating the types, to create a colorful pattern.
- Season and Bake:
- Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 40 minutes.
- Finishing Touches:
- Remove the aluminum foil and bake for another 20 minutes or until the vegetables are well cooked and lightly browned.
Tips:
- Slice the vegetables to the same thickness for even cooking.
- For a presentation closer to the movie, arrange the vegetables in a spiral, starting from the edges and finishing in the center.
- Serve with a crusty baguette or as a side to a protein of your choice.
Recreating the ratatouille from the movie “Ratatouille” is more than just preparing a meal; it’s a way to bring art and love for cooking into your kitchen. This dish, full of colors and flavors, is a tribute to French cuisine and proof that even the simplest dishes can be transformed into works of art. Bon appétit!