Slow Cooker Ratatouille Recipe

Looking for a healthy, delicious, and incredibly easy meal? This Slow Cooker Ratatouille recipe is your answer! A vibrant vegetable stew originating from Provence, France, Ratatouille is traditionally a labor of love, requiring careful tending on the stovetop. But this slow cooker version simplifies the process without sacrificing any of the gorgeous flavor. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a taste of summer any time of year!

What is Ratatouille?

Ratatouille is a classic French Provençal vegetable stew, known for its bright colors and rich flavors. It’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal produce, typically featuring eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and garlic, all simmered together with fragrant herbs and olive oil. Traditionally, each vegetable is cooked separately before being combined, allowing them to retain their individual textures and flavors.

However, our slow cooker version simplifies this process, allowing you to achieve similar results with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the vegetables to meld together beautifully, creating a deep, savory flavor that is simply irresistible. Ready to experience the ease and deliciousness of this classic dish? Give our slow cooker ratatouille recipe a try!

Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Ratatouille:

• Eggplant: 1 large, diced into 1-inch cubes
• Zucchini: 2 medium, diced into 1-inch cubes
• Yellow Squash: 2 medium, diced into 1-inch cubes
• Bell Peppers: 2 (1 red, 1 yellow), seeded and diced
• Onion: 1 large, chopped
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Canned Crushed Tomatoes: 28 ounces
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: 14.5 ounces, undrained
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Dried Herbs de Provence: 2 teaspoons
• Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste

How to Make Slow Cooker Ratatouille:

This Slow Cooker Ratatouille is incredibly easy to prepare. Simply chop the vegetables, combine them with the other ingredients in your slow cooker, and let it simmer until tender! The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious and healthy meal ready to enjoy.

• Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop all vegetables according to the ingredient list. Dicing the eggplant, zucchini, and yellow squash into 1-inch cubes ensures they cook evenly, while dicing the bell peppers allows them to soften nicely during the slow cooking process.
  2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: In a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, combine the diced eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, chopped onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, olive oil, and dried herbs de Provence. Adding the olive oil helps to prevent the vegetables from sticking and adds a richness to the dish.
  3. Season and Mix: Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Be generous with the seasoning as the vegetables will absorb a good amount of it during cooking. Stir well to ensure all the vegetables are coated with the tomato mixture and herbs.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the vegetables are tender. The cooking time will vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for tenderness after the minimum cooking time.
  5. Adjust Seasoning (If Needed): Once the ratatouille is cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a touch more salt, pepper, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar to brighten the flavors.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil or sprinkle it on top as a garnish. The fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic note that complements the cooked vegetables beautifully. Serve hot, either on its own, over rice, or with crusty bread.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Ratatouille:

This Slow Cooker Ratatouille is truly a weeknight winner! The simplicity is a major highlight. It’s essentially a “dump-and-go” recipe, perfect for busy individuals who want a healthy and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Making ratatouille at home is significantly more cost-effective than ordering it at a restaurant or buying pre-made versions.

You control the ingredients and can use seasonal produce for even greater savings. The wonderful blend of flavors— the sweetness of the bell peppers, the earthiness of the eggplant, and the tanginess of the tomatoes create a complex and satisfying dish. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like our slow cooker vegetable soup, which offers another easy and delicious way to enjoy a variety of vegetables. Why not give this convenient and flavorful ratatouille a try and discover a new family favorite?

What to Serve Slow Cooker Ratatouille:

Slow Cooker Ratatouille is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways.

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the flavorful sauce.
• Grilled Chicken or Fish: For a complete and balanced meal, adding protein is always a great choice
• Quinoa or Rice: A healthy and satisfying grain that complements the vegetables.
• Pasta: Toss the ratatouille with cooked pasta for a simple and delicious vegetarian meal. Use any shape you like – penne, fusilli, or spaghetti all work well.

Top Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Ratatouille:

• Even Vegetable Sizes: Dice the vegetables into roughly the same size to ensure that they cook evenly. If some pieces are significantly larger than others, they may not be fully cooked when the rest of the ratatouille is ready.
• Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the vegetables, especially when cooking on high. Overcooked ratatouille can become mushy. You want the vegetables to be tender but still retain some of their texture.
• Adjust Liquid: If your ratatouille appears too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to thin it out. Conversely, if it’s too watery, remove the lid for the last hour of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
• Use High-Quality Tomatoes: The quality of the tomatoes will significantly impact the flavor of your ratatouille. Opt for good-quality canned crushed and diced tomatoes for the best results.
• Add a Touch of Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking can brighten the flavors and add a touch of sweetness. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.

5 Facts about Ratatouille:

1. Provençal Origins: Ratatouille originates from Nice in the Provence region of France, highlighting its deep connection to the local culinary traditions.
2. “Touiller” Meaning: The name “ratatouille” comes from the Occitan word “ratatolha,” meaning “to stir up,” reflecting the dish’s preparation method.
3. Originally Peasant Food: It was initially a simple peasant dish, utilizing summer vegetables that were readily available in the region.
4. Traditional vs. Modern Methods: Traditional ratatouille involves cooking each vegetable separately, while modern versions often combine them for convenience.
5. Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the variety of vegetables, making it a healthy and nutritious meal.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

• Storing Leftovers: Allow the ratatouille to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Ratatouille freezes well. Transfer the cooled ratatouille to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Flatten the bag to remove as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat refrigerated ratatouille, simply microwave it in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. To reheat frozen ratatouille, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using either of the methods mentioned above.

Final Thoughts:

This Slow Cooker Ratatouille recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious, wholesome meals don’t have to be complicated. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean, packed with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a hearty and flavorful dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest

Slow Cooker Ratatouille FAQs:

• Can I use other vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or spinach to customize the recipe to your liking.
• Can I make this on the stovetop? Yes, you can. Sauté the vegetables in olive oil, then simmer with the tomatoes and herbs until tender.
• Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
• Can I add meat to this recipe? While traditionally vegetarian, you can add cooked sausage, chicken, or ground beef to make it a heartier meal.
• How do I prevent the eggplant from becoming bitter? Salting the eggplant before cooking can help draw out any bitterness. Toss the diced eggplant with salt and let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry before adding it to the slow cooker.