Name: Delicious Ratatouille with Roasted Red Peppers and Herb Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; ½ yellow onion, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 small carrot, grated; 1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 3 roasted red peppers (from a jar), roughly chopped; 2 teaspoons herbs de Provence; 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 Chinese eggplant, sliced; 2 zucchinis, sliced; 1 yellow summer squash, sliced; 5 Roma tomatoes, sliced; ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tender herbs (thyme, basil, parsley, tarragon, oregano, etc.); 3 garlic cloves, minced; Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 41 reviews

If you have been on the lookout for a vibrant, comforting dish that bursts with fresh flavors and colorful veggies, your search ends here with this Delicious Ratatouille with Roasted Red Peppers and Herb Dressing Recipe. It’s a heartwarming blend of tender vegetables slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce, elevated by the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers and a bright, fragrant herb dressing that ties it all together beautifully. This dish embodies the essence of rustic French cooking while making it easy and approachable for any home cook. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a centerpiece of your seasonal dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white cooking pot filled with a chunky red tomato sauce, mixed with soft pieces of red bell peppers, diced onions, and small shredded orange bits, possibly carrots. The sauce has a thick texture with visible herbs and spices scattered throughout and some oil shining on the surface. Inside the pot on the right side is a gray spatula with a wooden handle partly covered in sauce. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this spectacular ratatouille. Each component has a special role — from the silky texture of the Chinese eggplant to the natural sweetness of roasted red peppers — all working in harmony to create something utterly delicious and satisfying.

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: This is the base for our sauce, offering a fruity richness and helping soften the aromatics.
½ yellow onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sauce with its unmistakable savory punch.
1 small carrot, grated: Brings a touch of natural sweetness and helps thicken the sauce.
1 (14.5-ounce can) crushed tomatoes: Forms the lush, tangy foundation of the ratatouille’s sauce.
3 roasted red peppers (from a jar), roughly chopped: Adds smoky sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
2 teaspoons herbs de Provence: A fragrant mix of herbs that transports you straight to the South of France.
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt: Balances flavors perfectly throughout the dish.
½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to round out the seasoning.
1 Chinese eggplant: Silky and tender, it soaks up the sauce beautifully.
2 zucchini: Adds freshness and a delicate bite.
1 yellow summer squash: Brings vibrant color and mild sweetness.
5 Roma tomatoes: For freshness and juiciness in the vegetable layers.
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil (for herb dressing): The base for the dressing, adding richness and body.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tender herbs (thyme, basil, parsley, tarragon, oregano, etc.): Brings bright, garden-fresh flavors to the dressing.
3 garlic cloves, minced (for dressing): Adds a spicy, aromatic kick to the herb dressing.
Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the dressing just right.

How to Make Delicious Ratatouille with Roasted Red Peppers and Herb Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion first and sauté until translucent and sweet, about 5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and grated carrot, stirring constantly until fragrant and softened. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the roughly chopped roasted red peppers. Season this vibrant mixture with herbs de Provence, kosher salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and aromatic. This rich sauce will serve as the flavorful bed for the beautifully layered vegetables.

Step 2: Slice the Vegetables

While your sauce simmers, wash all your fresh veggies and slice them evenly. Cut the Chinese eggplant, zucchini, yellow summer squash, and Roma tomatoes into thin medallions about ¼-inch thick. Keeping the slices uniform ensures even cooking and that beautiful presentation the dish is famous for. The array of colors here will make your ratatouille as stunning to look at as it is to eat.

Step 3: Layer the Vegetables Over the Sauce

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the tomato and red pepper sauce into a baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. Starting at one side, arrange the slices of eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, and tomatoes in a circular or linear overlapping pattern. Alternate the vegetables to showcase their colors and textures. This layering is not just pretty but allows the vegetables to cook perfectly while soaking up the luscious sauce below.

Step 4: Bake Until Tender

Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the oven for about 45 minutes. This gentle heat allows the vegetables to become tender but not mushy. In the last 10 minutes, remove the foil to let the top lightly roast and caramelize a bit, adding depth and complexity. Keep an eye to ensure your ratatouille doesn’t dry out; you can drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top if it looks too dry.

Step 5: Make the Herb Dressing

While the ratatouille is baking, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and your freshly chopped herbs in a small bowl. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste. This herb dressing is the secret weapon that brings brightness and freshness to every bite of this comforting dish.

How to Serve Delicious Ratatouille with Roasted Red Peppers and Herb Dressing Recipe

The image shows a white marbled surface with four groups of thinly sliced vegetables arranged around a silver slicer in the center. At the top left are deep red tomato slices with visible seeds, stacked closely in a curved line. To the top right, bright yellow squash slices with pale centers and seeds are spread out in a loose pile. Below the squash, light green zucchini slices with dark green edges are layered both on the slicer and around it in a scattered, overlapping manner. At the bottom left, there are light purple eggplant slices with darker edges, fanned out neatly in two small groups. The slicer is shiny and metallic with black handles. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Just before serving, drizzle the herb dressing generously over the warm ratatouille. Sprinkle with additional fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra burst of color and fragrance. Toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese also make wonderful garnishes that complement the medley of flavors.

Side Dishes

This ratatouille pairs famously well with crusty artisan bread to soak up the sauce or a fluffy bed of herbed couscous for a satisfying meal. You can also serve it over creamy polenta or alongside seared chicken or grilled fish for added protein. Its versatility makes it ideal for everything from light lunches to dinner parties.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning look, serve the ratatouille in individual shallow bowls or small cast-iron skillets. Layering the vegetables in a spiral pattern adds elegant appeal. Alternatively, use it as a savory filling for puff pastry tarts or as a colorful layer in a vegetable terrine. The Delicious Ratatouille with Roasted Red Peppers and Herb Dressing Recipe lends itself to so many fun and creative presentations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover ratatouille stores beautifully, developing even more flavor after a day or two. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a nourishing meal with minimal effort on busy days.

Freezing

You can freeze this ratatouille for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in a microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce’s luscious texture. Sprinkle the herb dressing fresh after reheating for maximum freshness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh red peppers instead of jarred roasted ones?

Absolutely! If you want to roast your own, simply char fresh red peppers under a broiler or on a grill until the skins blister, then peel and chop. They add a beautiful smoky sweetness just like the jarred version.

What can I substitute for herbs de Provence?

If you don’t have herbs de Provence, feel free to mix dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, and marjoram in equal parts as a homemade blend. Fresh herbs work wonderfully too in the herb dressing.

Is this dish suitable for vegans and vegetarians?

Yes, this ratatouille is naturally vegan and vegetarian, making it perfect for anyone seeking a plant-based, flavorful meal.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. The sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated, which actually helps the flavors deepen. Just reheat gently before assembling and baking the vegetables.

What’s the best way to slice the vegetables?

Try to slice all vegetables uniformly about ¼-inch thick to ensure even cooking and an attractive presentation. Using a mandoline slicer can speed up this step and give you perfect, consistent slices.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel as excited as I do to dive into this Delicious Ratatouille with Roasted Red Peppers and Herb Dressing Recipe. It’s a delightful celebration of simple ingredients coming together in a way that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a dish to impress friends, this ratatouille offers warmth, nourishment, and a riot of color on your plate. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your all-time favorite recipes!