Ratatouille (pronounced ra-ta-twee)

“What is Ratatouille?” is a very common question. 



Yes, it is a highly entertaining children's movie produced by Disney that features a rat as a chef. It is also, for the purpose of this Blog, a fantastic meal or side dish that is very healthy and easy to make! It’s a great alternative to soup when you need something warm and cozy on a cold day.

The recipe makes 8 to 10 serving and it can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for a week! 

You could be boring and freeze the leftovers OR you can think outside of the box and try using it on top of pasta, as a pizza topping and inside lasagna.

If you're trying to be skinny a.k.a carb cautious, try tossing it in with some spaghetti squash and crumbled Feta or use it as a sauce for a grilled fish like halibut.


3 cloves fresh Garlic

1 large Yellow Onion

1 Green Pepper 

1 Red Pepper 

1 Orange Pepper

1 Package of Mushrooms

2 Zucchinis
1 Eggplant

1 can of Tomato Paste with herbs and spices
1 can of Diced Tomatoes with herbs and spices

 1/2 tsp dry Basil
1 tsp Oregano

 2 Tbsp Balsamic Oil

2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
 Salt & Pepper

2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil



1. Cut Yellow Onion, Peppers, Mushrooms, Zucchinis into large chunky pieces. Peel the Eggplant with a potato peeler and cut it into large chunky pieces.



2. In a large soup pot, cover the bottom of the pot with the Extra Virgin Olive Oil and add the onions and the peppers and simmer with the lid on until the onions become transparent. Mince the garlic cloves and add to the pot.



3. Add the Mushrooms to the pot and sauté all of the vegetables on medium heat for 7-8 minutes with the lid on.



4. Add the Eggplant and Zucchini to the pot and sauté for 10 minutes.


5. Add the diced tomatoes and the tomato paste to the pot and let simmer for 30 minutes. While the pot is simmering, add brown sugar, balsamic oil, oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning according to taste.



Assuming you have Garlic, Oregano, Basil, Balsamic oil, Brown Sugar, Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper in the house - you probably do if you are reading this blog since they are the basics - then the rest of the meal should cost you under $15.

Enjoy!


 Chef Cara