Crockpot Ratatouille Recipe
Before I saw the Disney Ratatouille movie, I really didn't know what this dish was all about. It's essentially a vegetable stew.
I have seasoned this recipe and while I did originally use canned tomatoes have since made it many many times using fresh tomatoes grown in my garden.
[originally posted in 2008, during my year of slow cooking.]
I have seasoned this recipe and while I did originally use canned tomatoes have since made it many many times using fresh tomatoes grown in my garden.
[originally posted in 2008, during my year of slow cooking.]
Day 90!
This does not have rats in it.
Nor did little rats come out of the woodwork to sit on my shoulder while I was chopping the vegetables.
Nor did little rats come out of the woodwork to sit on my shoulder while I was chopping the vegetables.
My children were sorely disappointed.
Ratatouille is a traditional French vegetable stew.
It is usually made with eggplant and squash, and whatever vegetables you have growing in your garden.
This ratatouille was made from vegetables found at Safeway.
It is usually made with eggplant and squash, and whatever vegetables you have growing in your garden.
This ratatouille was made from vegetables found at Safeway.
The Ingredients.
serves 8ish
serves 8ish
1 eggplant
1 zucchini
1 yellow summer squash (same sized as the zucchini)
1 can peeled whole tomatoes (drained)
1 can diced fire roasted tomatoes (and juice)
OR: 3 cups diced fresh tomatoes
OR: 3 cups diced fresh tomatoes
1 yellow onion, peeled and cut in chunks
1 yellow bell pepper
1 orange bell pepper
3 cloves minced garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup water or white wine
The Directions.
Chop all of your vegetables into mouth-sized chunks.
I didn't peel anything, except for the onion. Some people really can't stand eggplant peel, but I seem to like it. ;-)
I didn't peel anything, except for the onion. Some people really can't stand eggplant peel, but I seem to like it. ;-)
Layer into your crockpot, cover with the spices, oil, and water.
Stir gingerly to combine.
Stir gingerly to combine.
Cook on low for 5-6 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
The ratatouille is done when the vegetables reach desired tenderness and the flavors have mingled.
This will create more liquid on it's own, but it isn't overly soupy.
The ratatouille is done when the vegetables reach desired tenderness and the flavors have mingled.
This will create more liquid on it's own, but it isn't overly soupy.
The Verdict.
I liked this better than I thought I would.
The vegetables have a great flavor and they were nicely cooked.
This is hearty enough to have as a full, low-calorie meal, or it can be served as a side dish.
The vegetables have a great flavor and they were nicely cooked.
This is hearty enough to have as a full, low-calorie meal, or it can be served as a side dish.
PS: The kids wouldn't touch it because of the rat thing.
