Sadly, only one in ten American adults meet the recommended amount of fruits (1 ½ - 2 cups) and vegetables (2 – 3 cups) each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you sheepishly think to yourself that this is you, start the autumn season off with a healthy start and a hearty bowl of ratatouille.
Ratatouille is a French stew packed with vegetables, including eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers and onions, and flavored with herbs. It's typically on the menu in the late summer of home gardeners who are looking for a way to use up their bounty before it rots. With the availability of produce at the grocery store and winter farmers markets, this warm stew, however, can be enjoyed throughout the cooler seasons, as well.
It can be true that when vegetables enter the menu, so does the prep work of peeling and chopping them, as well as the time to cook them. Vegetables, though, don't always have to be whole or fresh. Swallow the extra cost and buy them pre-chopped, or look for no-added-salt frozen or canned versions. Try the recipe below to make ratatouille in the microwave, which can also save time.
Ratatouille is packed with dietary fiber, potassium, vitamins A, C and K, folate and much more. With so many vegetables included, you're bound to meet the recommended daily amount of veggies your body needs.
Lean and Easy Ratatouille (Printable PDF)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 small eggplant, peeled and cubed
2 small zucchini, cubed
3 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped or 1 (14.5 oz. can whole peeled tomatoes with juice)
1 green pepper, chopped
¼ cup fresh parsley, minced
3 Tablespoons tomato paste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 Tablespoon white wine vinegar
Combine the onion and oil in a 3-quart casserole dish. Cover, venting on the sides, and microwave on high for 1 ½ minutes, or until the onions are tender. Stir in the eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, pepper, parsley, tomato paste, garlic, basil and thyme. Cover again, and microwave on high, stirring occasionally for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the vinegar. Let stand about five minutes.
Yield: 6 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving): 90 calories, 1 gram fat, 25 milligrams sodium, 17 grams carbohydrate, 5 grams fiber, 3 grams protein
Source: adapted from NDSU Extension Service
FAQs
A classic ratatouille includes eggplant (aubergines), zucchini (courgettes), bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil and herbs.
What is the famous line from ratatouille? ›
In the past, I have made no secret of my disdain for Chef Gusteau's famous motto, "Anyone can cook." But I realize, only now do I truly understand what he meant.
What is the dramatic question in ratatouille? ›
Gusteau put forth the idea that Anyone Can Cook, but really, can a rat? This is the central dramatic question of the piece, the one that drives the whole story forward and helps to frame the unexpected ending with greater meaning.
What was the last dish in ratatouille? ›
Fun fact: the signature dish Rémy serves at the end of Ratatouille isn't technically a ratatouille; it's a tian, which is an artful arrangement of sliced summer vegetables baked over a tomato and pepper sauce.
What is ratatouille food real name? ›
Confit byaldi is a variation on the traditional French dish ratatouille by the French chef Michel Guérard.
What is the saddest scene in Ratatouille? ›
Sad: Remy Loses His Family
Emile and Remy eventually give themselves away while in the old lady's kitchen, and the old lady is not happy about it. She chases the rats with a shotgun and eventually, the chase causes the entire ceiling to cave in, revealing Remy's family and their home.
What is Gusteau's favorite saying? ›
” - Chef Gusteau, RATATOUILLE.
What is chef Gusto's first name? ›
Auguste Gusteau
Gusteau died mysteriously soon after his restaurant was downgraded from five stars to four (by food critic Anton Ego), but his spirit lives on in his recipes and Remy's imagination—the great chef is a recurring figure as Remy's imaginary soul mate and counselor.
What is the meal at the end of ratatouille? ›
The final dish in the film Ratatouille isn't. ratatouille—it's a tian.
What does ratatouille mean in food? ›
ˌrä-ˌtä-, -ˈtü-ē : a seasoned stew made of eggplant, tomatoes, green peppers, squash, and sometimes meat.
As for how Remy conquers Anton Ego? He decides to serve Ego ratatouille, which shocks the other chefs because it's such a humble peasant dish—the last thing you'd expect to impress a dour, pretentious critic.
What is the main message of Ratatouille? ›
At its core, “Ratatouille” entertains one foundational question: Should we as a people choose ignorance or empathy? In the film, rats are stigmatized to only be troublemakers, and humans to only be killers. But, Remy the rat makes a different choice.
What is the hidden message in Ratatouille? ›
In this central story, then, Ratatouille presents its message about arbitrary limitations in terms of identity. People discriminate against Remy based on the fact that he is a rat, when the more salient identity is that he is a cook.
What is the irony in Ratatouille? ›
Ratatouille is a movie about a rat who is a chef. Since most people prefer to keep rats out of the kitchen, the concept of this film is ironic; it begins with a gap between what we expect and what happens. Irony is used in books and movies to engage the reader and emphasize important points.
What consist of ratatouille? ›
It's a stew of zucchini, peppers, tomatoes and eggplant, with herbs and spices and some onions and garlic usually thrown in for good measure.
What all is in ratatouille? ›
Ratatouille is a classic French dish from the region of Provence that consists of eggplant, onions, bell peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs that are quickly seared and then gently stewed. The result is a creamy delicious mixture of fresh vegetables that serves as a wonderful main or side dish.
What is Remy's favorite food? ›
Unlike his fellow rats, Remy has a gift: an advanced sense of taste and smell which lead to a passion for food. While the rest of his family are content to eat garbage, Remy dreams of foie gras and brie cheese.
What is inside of ratatouille? ›
This dish features eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, all richly seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. It takes some time to prepare, so making a large batch over the weekend is ideal. This way, you'll have a tasty and colorful base ready for meals throughout the week.
