Easy Ratatouille with Roasted Tomato–Onion Sauce
A stunning plant-based French dish layered with tender eggplant, zucchini, and tomato, all baked in a rich roasted tomato–onion sauce. This vegan ratatouille bursts with Mediterranean flavor and makes the perfect wholesome dinner or side dish.
Equipment
- Baking dish (about 23 cm / 9-inch round or oval)
- blender or food processor
- Baking sheet
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Silicone brush or spoon
Ingredients
For the Roasted Tomato–Onion Sauce:
- 600 g tomatoes about 4 medium
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 1 large red onion
- 1 large white onion
- 1 whole head garlic halved, crosswise
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- fresh basil a handful
For the Ratatouille Layers:
Instructions
- Roast the vegetables for the saucePreheat oven to 200 °C / 390 °F.Place the quartered tomatoes, bell pepper, onions, and halved garlic head (cut side up) on a parchment-lined baking tray.Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano, thyme, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.Roast for 30–35 minutes, until soft and caramelized at the edges.
- Blend the sauceTransfer everything to a blender or food processor. Add the fresh basil and blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.Spread the sauce evenly over the bottom of a 25 cm / 10-inch baking dish.
- Slice and arrange the vegetablesSlice the eggplant, zucchinis, and tomatoes into thin, even rounds (about 2 mm / 1⁄16 inch thick).Layer them alternately — eggplant → green zucchini → yellow zucchini → tomato — in a circular or spiral pattern over the sauce, slightly overlapping each slice.
- BakeDrizzle the top with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.Cover with foil and bake at 190 °C / 375 °F for 40 minutes.Remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until tender and slightly golden.
- ServeServe warm with crusty bread, rice, or quinoa.Garnish with extra basil or a drizzle of olive oil for shine.