A stunning, vegetable-forward dish with silky Piperade sauce, inspired by the iconic Pixar film. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a taste of Provence at home!
Ingredients
For the Piperade Sauce
- Red bell peppers: 390g (2 large) charred & peeled
- Tomatoes: 454g (4-5 Campari/Roma) peeled & chopped
- Olive oil: 30ml (2 tbsp)
- Shallot: 85g (1 large) roughly chopped
- Garlic: 16g (4 cloves) chopped
- Red wine: 118ml (½ cup) Cabernet Sauvignon preferred
- Herbs: 4 sprigs thyme + 1 sprig basil
- Seasoning: 1 tsp salt, 2 tsp sugar, black pepper
For the Vegetable Layers
- Roma tomatoes: 4-5 sliced ⅛” thick
- Yellow squash: 1-2 sliced ⅛” thick
- Zucchini: 1-2 sliced ⅛” thick
- Chinese/Japanese eggplant: 1 sliced ⅛” thick
- Olive oil: 30ml (2 tbsp) + extra for drizzling
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Piperade Vinaigrette
- Reserved ¼ cup sauce + 2 tbsp olive oil
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Char & Prep the Bell Peppers
- Char peppers over an open flame or roast at 425°F (220°C) wrapped in foil for 15-20 mins.
- Steam in a covered bowl for 5-10 mins, then peel, seed, and dice.
2️⃣ Blanch & Peel Tomatoes
- Core tomatoes and score an “X” at the base.
- Blanch in boiling water for 10-15 seconds, then peel and chop.
3️⃣ Make the Piperade Sauce
- Sauté shallot and garlic in olive oil (1 min).
- Add bell peppers, tomatoes, herbs, and red wine. Simmer 30 mins until reduced.
- Blend until smooth, strain, then season with salt, sugar, and pepper. Reduce further until thick.
4️⃣ Assemble the Ratatouille
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread sauce in a 12″ oval casserole dish.
- Shingle veggies tightly in alternating patterns (tomato, squash, zucchini, eggplant).
- Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cover with parchment paper.
5️⃣ Bake & Serve
- Bake 45 mins until veggies are tender but slightly firm.
- (Optional) Mix reserved sauce with olive oil for a “vinaigrette” drizzle.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or over polenta!
💡 Pro Tips
- Uniform slices: Use a mandoline for even ⅛” thickness.
- Sauce hack: Substitute jarred roasted red peppers for quicker prep.
- Make ahead: Sauce can be made 2 days in advance.
- Presentation: Arrange veggies in a spiral for the “movie effect.”
Why This Recipe Works
✅ Elegant yet simple—no fancy techniques required.
✅ Layered flavors: Sweet peppers, tangy tomatoes, and earthy herbs.
✅ Versatile: Serve as a main, side, or with a poached egg for brunch!
Pair with: A glass of Côtes de Provence rosé 🍷 or herb-infused olive oil for dipping.
