So we've all got days where we're just really lazy to prep and cook our meals right?
Well then this is the perfect recipe for you guys out there who are just like me!
I made a huge batch of this so I could store and freeze it for whenever I felt hungry throughout the week.
It's a really simple, easy ONE-POT Ratatouille.
What's that mean?
Literally, all you need to cook this amazing dish is just one pot.
(And of course, a knife as well as a chopping board)
Never heard of Ratatouille?
(Photo Source: Wallpapersafari)
Do you remember now?
Yes it's the famous cartoon movie, but it's actually named after a very famous French peasant dish.
Here's how to pronounce it!
Rat-A-Too-Ee
(Photo Source: 12tomatoes.com)
This is how the original dish is like.
Looks so beautiful eyh?
This dish is full of vegetables, in fact it only consists of vegetables so it's very healthy and vegan!
However, I've added some beef chunks into mine to make it a little more hearty.
Also, I've made mine in a stew-form so it doesn't look as beautiful but I can guarantee it's way more simple and tastes just as good!
Let's get started!
Ingredients (Servings to last 1 week)
1 Eggplant
4 Tomatoes
1 Pack of cherry tomatoes
1 Can of crushed tomatoes (about 400g)
1 Bell Pepper (aka Capsicum)
3 Zucchinis
1 Bunch of basil
1 Pack of thyme
1 Leek
500g of diced beef
250ml of beef stock
5 Cloves of garlic
Butter
Salt
Pepper
Wash and chop all the vegetables into medium chunks.
You'll end up with this:
Here's a tip!
An easy way to cut cherry tomatoes into half, QUICKLY.
Instead of doing it one-by-one, gather a handful and put them on an inverted circular container.
Next, use the container cover to gently press on the cherry tomatoes (careful not to press it too hard or you'll crush them instead)
This will hold the tomatoes down while you use a knife to cut through the middle.
And there you have it!
A fast, easy and effective way to cut cherry tomatoes in half.
With all your ingredients prepared, add some butter into a big pot over medium-high heat.
I love butter and how the flavour really enhances a dish so I tend to put lots of it, but put however much you like.
Another tip is to add just a little bit of olive oil as well, and this prevents the butter from burning.
Add the beef first and stir-fry until they're brown and caramelised.
Next, add and stir-fry the garlic and leek for 1-2 minutes before adding all the vegetables in as well.
Add in the crushed tomatoes, beef stock and a few twigs/sticks of thyme.
Bring the pot up to a boil, then lower to medium-low heat to simmer.
I left it to simmer for a few hours, because the longer it simmers, the better the flavours.
Stir it every once in awhile to prevent the bottom from sticking to the pot.
When it's done simmering, taste it.
Then add some salt and pepper according to your taste, and lastly add in the chopped up basil.
Stir it for the last time and it's ready for serving!
(Save some chopped basil for garnish)
I usually serve a hot bowl of Ratatouille with some bread but it tastes good as a side with rice too.
There you have it!
Easy, simple and delicious one-pot ratatouille.
