French Bistro Ratatouille for One

Indulge in a single-serving ratatouille that captures the essence of French bistro cuisine. Perfectly sautéed vegetables in a rich tomato base create an effortless yet hearty dish.

⏱️ Cooking Time: 30 minutes | 🍽️ Servings: 1

Instructions

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced eggplant. Sauté for about 5 minutes until it turns a light golden brown and starts to soften. Eggplant absorbs oil rapidly; avoid adding more oil to ensure it doesn’t become greasy.
2. 2.
   Add the diced zucchini to the skillet and continue to cook for another 3 minutes. Stir frequently, allowing the zucchini to absorb some of the flavors and soften slightly, still retaining a slight crunch for texture.
3. 3.
   Incorporate the chopped red bell pepper into the skillet. Sauté the mixture for an additional 5-7 minutes. The peppers should soften and become tender while maintaining their vibrant color, ensuring the ratatouille looks as good as it tastes.
4. 4.
   Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring the mixture well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 8 minutes. The vegetables should become tender, and the tomatoes will thicken to make a sauce. If the dish looks dry, add a splash of water. The ideal consistency is slightly thick but not soupy.
5. 5.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm, paired with crusty bread or over a bed of freshly cooked rice to soak up the savory juices.