• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Life Jolie logo
  • Thanksgiving Recipes
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
    • Work with me!
    • Video Production
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Thanksgiving Recipes
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
    • Work with me!
    • Video Production
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    The Life Jolie » Main/Entree » Nanou's Real-Deal Ratatouille Recipe

    Nanou's Real-Deal Ratatouille Recipe

    Published: Aug 16, 2021 · Modified: Aug 31, 2022 by Jessy Freimann · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A side image of a bowl of Ratatouille with a sprig of fresh basil in it and a blue and white napkin and fresh herbs behind it.
    If you want an authentic Ratatouille recipe, this is the one you're looking for! This classic French vegetable stew is outrageously delicious and healthy- perfect for a meatless Monday meal or an easy side dish.
    Try these other delicious vegetable recipes: Easy Sautéed Vegetables, Greens and Beans and French Carrot Salad.
    A side image of a bowl of Ratatouille with a sprig of fresh basil in it and a blue and white napkin and fresh herbs behind it.

    Ratatouille: but make it authentic

    This post contains Affiliate Links. Please see the disclaimer here.

    Before last year, whenever someone would use the word Ratatouille, I would immediately think of the Disney Pixar movie, which is one of my favs! But I had never tried the dish until my mother in-law decided to make it last year, upon finding out that I hadn't had it before.

    Turns, out, this was one of her mother, Sylviane's (amazing!) recipes that she's been eating for as long as she could remember. Sylviane, (or as we called her, Nanou) was an amazing person and a fantastic cook who came over as a war bride from Algiers many years ago. Over the years I've been lucky enough to enjoy many of her recipes and I'm so glad I get to add this one to that list because this recipe is a keeper.

    Like many French recipes, it takes simple ingredients and puts them together in a way that really makes them sing in perfect harmony. This is as healthy as it is delicious and a dish you'll find yourself coming back to, not only for every day eating but one that's special enough for holidays and dinner parties to really "wow" your guests!

    An overhead image of a pan of ratatouille with a blue and white napkin and fresh herbs around it.

    Tips for how to make ratatouille

    • The eggplant and zucchini takes a little longer to cook in this dish so we always saute that first and remove from the pan before adding the other vegetables.
    • Be sure to stir the ratatouille periodically as it simmers (while it's covered) to prevent sticking. But don't overdo it either.
    • Always taste before serving and adjust seasonings as needed.

    Helpful ingredient information:

    • Vegetables: This is a flavorful mix of eggplant, zucchini, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes and garlic.
    • Seasonings: Fresh thyme, parsley and basil combined with salt, black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes round out the delicious flavors of this stew.

    A close up image of a wooden spoon in a pan of Ratatouille focusing on the chunks of squash and eggplant.

    What is Ratatouille?

    Ratatouille is a classic vegetable stew originating in Provence France. It is traditionally cooked stovetop, starting by cooking each vegetable separately in olive oil before combining them and simmering together.

    What size for you cut the vegetables?

    Around 1-2 inches. Some Ratatouille recipes chop them much smaller or slice and bake but we prefer larger chunks. I gave specific recommendations in the recipe but feel free to alter it to your liking.

    Do you need to peel the eggplant?

    We prefer it that way.

    Shouldn't it be sliced and stacked like in the movie?

    I've seen recipes that cook it that way (usually in the oven) but that's not how our family does it.

    How to serve Ratatouille?

    We typically enjoy this on it's own, but it would also be great over rice or pasta. And make sure you have a nice crusty piece of bread to soak up all those delicious juices.

    Can this be made ahead?

    Yes! Like soups and stews, this gets even better as it sits and can be made up to a couple days ahead and reheats very well.

    Leftovers and reheating:

    This will last covered in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheats well in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave.

    Ingredients that can be prepped ahead:

    • Chop onions
    • Chop peppers
    • Cut zucchini
    • Clean herbs and remaining vegetables.

    A close up featuring the side of a white bowl of Ratatouille, zoomed in on the chunks of vegetables and sprig of fresh basil.

    Helpful tools:

    1. Chef's knife
    2. Cutting board
    3. Measuring cups
    4. Measuring spoons
    5. Wooden spoon
    6. Saute pan or braiser

    If you tried this recipe please comment and rate it 🙂 I love hearing your feedback and answering your questions!

    You can find a full index of my recipes here.

    Don’t forget to follow The Life Jolie on Pinterest for more recipe inspiration!

    Or if Pinterest isn’t your style, bookmark this post!

    Let’s keep the conversation going- join my Facebook group! 

    Nanou's Real Deal Ratatouille recipe

    Jessy Freimann
    If you want an authentic Ratatouille recipe, this is the one you're looking for! This classic French vegetable stew is outrageously delicious and healthy- perfect for a meatless Monday meal or an easy side dish.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 40 mins
    Total Time 50 mins
    Course Entree, Main, Main Course, Main dish, Side Dish
    Cuisine French
    Servings 6 servings

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 Tablespoons olive oil + a little more only if you need it
    • 1 large eggplant, peeled and cut to 2 inch chunks
    • 2 red or green bell peppers, seeds removed and cut into 1 inch chunks
    • 2 medium zucchini or yellow squash, sliced and cubed
    • 1 large onion, large dice
    • 4 roma tomatoes, seeded and large dice
    • 5 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
    • 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
    • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional for heat)
    • 2 Tablespoon chopped fresh parley
    • 2 Tablespoon chopped fresh basil

    Instructions
     

    • Heat 2 Tablespoons oil in large saute pan over medium high heat.
    • Add eggplant and saute until just starting to brown, stirring often- about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pan.
    • Add remaining Tablespoon oil and saute zucchini for 5 minutes and remove from pan.
    • Add a tiny bit more oil (only if needed) then add onions and peppers, Saute to soften about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and thyme and cook about 3 minutes.
    • Add tomatoes, garlic, salt and black pepper and red pepper flakes and stir to combine. Cook 5 more minutes..
    • Add eggplant and zucchini back into pan. Partially cover and reduce heat to low and cook around 30-40 more minutes, stirring periodically.
    • Stir in parsley and basil 2 minutes before you finish cooking.
    • Taste and adjust seasonings and serve immediately.

    Notes

    Like most great Grandma recipes, the amounts are just approximate- cook and season with your heart.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    « One Pot Philly Steak Pasta Recipe
    Sautéed Zucchini and Tomatoes »
    • Share
    • Flipboard
    • Tweet

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Jessy in a kitchen holding a white casserole pan and smiling.
    Hi, I'm Jessy!

    Welcome to The Life Jolie! I share simple, delicious recipes and ingredient prep tips to make your weeknight cooking a breeze!

    More about me →

    Fall Recipes

    • A spoon holding a scoop of potato ham soup.
      Creamy Ham and Potato Soup
    • A bowl of chicken and egg noodles soup with sliced bread and another bowl behind it.
      Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup
    • A square image of the Toll House Cookie Recipe
      Easiest Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Say goodbye to dry and tough pork chops: these Smothered Crock Pot Pork Chops are the ultimate fall-apart tender comfort food. With just 4 ingredients, this easy dinner will be your new go-to dump dinner!
      Fall Apart Slow Cooker Pork Chops
    • An overhead image of sliced turkey on a platter surrounded by fresh herbs in the middle of a Thanksgiving table.
      Roasted Spatchcock Glazed Turkey with Bourbon
    • Side angle image close up of Brie Phyllo Cup on a sheet pan
      Baked Brie Phyllo Cups

    Popular Recipes

    • A square image of how to melt chocolate chips in the microwave showing the chocolate once it's melted.
      How to Melt Chocolate Chips in the Kitchen
    • Italian Stuffed Zucchini Boats are the healthy weeknight meal you'll want to make again and again. This is a seriously easy recipe that's full of delicious flavor without all the guilt!
      Italian Stuffed Zucchini Boats
    • Shrimp Macaroni Salad
      Very Best Shrimp Macaroni Salad Recipe
    • A square image of a white pot pouring cheese sauce over a bowl of broccoli with a blue towel behind it.
      Cheese Sauce for Broccoli Recipe
    • Do you love the Cheesecake Factory's Thai Lettuce Wraps! Well then why not make them at home? They're easy to make and totally delicious!
      Reader Request: Copycat Cheesecake Factory Thai Lettuce Wraps
    • A square image of Greek Yogurt Roasted Chicken Thighs.
      Greek Yogurt Roasted Chicken Thighs Recipe

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy + Disclaimer

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Video Production

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright 2014-2021 - Jolie Ventures, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy.