Preparation of the vegetables:
Wash the eggplants, zucchinis and peppers.
Cut the eggplants and zucchinis into slices or pieces of about 2 cm. Lightly salt the eggplants and let them drain for 20 minutes in a colander to remove their bitterness. Then rinse and pat dry.
Deseed the peppers and cut them into strips.
Blanch the tomatoes for 30 seconds, then plunge them into cold water to easily remove their skin. Then cut them into pieces.
Thinly slice the onions and chop the garlic.
Separate cooking of the vegetables:
In a large frying pan or casserole dish, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Eggplants: Sauté the eggplants over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until golden. Set aside.
Courgettes: In the same frying pan, add a little oil if necessary and sauté the courgettes for 5-6 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside.
Peppers: Do the same with the peppers, cooking them for about 8 minutes until they are tender. Set aside as well.
Cooking the onions and tomatoes:
In the same pan, sauté the chopped onions with the garlic for 5 minutes in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until they become translucent.
Then add the tomato pieces and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until they melt well. Salt and pepper to taste.
Final simmering:
Add all the cooked vegetables (eggplant, zucchini, peppers) to the onions and tomatoes in the casserole or pan.
Add the bouquet garni (thyme, bay leaf) and mix gently.
Simmer over low heat for about 30 to 40 minutes, stirring from time to time, so that the flavors blend well. If the vegetables stick, add a little water or olive oil.
Finishing:
At the end of cooking, remove the bouquet garni and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil just before serving for a touch of freshness.
Serving:
Serve the ratatouille hot, warm or cold according to your preferences. It goes perfectly with grilled meats, fish, or can be enjoyed with fresh bread for a light meal.
Tip:
The ratatouille is even better the next day, after resting overnight in the refrigerator, because the flavors have time to develop
