Serbian-Style Ratatouille

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 red bell peppers, sliced 2 red bell peppers, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 eggplant, diced 1 eggplant, diced
• 2 zucchini, sliced 2 zucchini, sliced
• 4 tomatoes, diced 4 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) tomato paste 2 tablespoons (30ml) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 12g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced bell peppers, diced eggplant, and sliced zucchini to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. 6.
   Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggplant — To remove any bitterness, sprinkle salt over the diced eggplant and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse well before using in the recipe.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper.
• Serve Serbian-Style Ratatouille with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for added creaminess.
• This dish tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop. Consider making it in advance and reheating it when ready to serve.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference and seasonal availability.
• Leftovers can be used as a filling for sandwiches or as a topping for grilled meats.

Serving advice

Serve Serbian-Style Ratatouille as a main course, accompanied by crusty bread or cooked rice. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in a rustic clay pot or a colorful serving dish to showcase the vibrant colors of the vegetables.