Vibrant Croatian Ratatouille

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 yellow), sliced 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 yellow), sliced
• 1 medium eggplant, diced 1 medium eggplant, diced
• 4 medium tomatoes, diced 4 medium tomatoes, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 10g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced onion and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the bell peppers and cook until slightly softened.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced eggplant and cook for a few minutes until it starts to brown.
5. 5.
   Add the tomatoes, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
7. 7.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

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

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, you can roast the bell peppers before adding them to the dish.
• Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms to customize the recipe.
• Serve Virovitički sataraš with a dollop of sour cream or crumbled feta cheese for added creaminess.
• Leftovers can be enjoyed the next day and taste even better as the flavors meld together.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of Croatian red wine, such as Plavac Mali.

Serving advice

Serve Virovitički sataraš as a main course with crusty bread on the side, or as a side dish alongside grilled meats. It can also be enjoyed cold as a refreshing summer salad.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in a rustic ceramic bowl or on a vibrant plate to showcase the beautiful colors of the vegetables.