Ratatouille Stuffed Peppers – A Flavorful Twist on a French Classic

Introduction

Ratatouille is a traditional French dish that boasts the rich flavors of Provence, and when it’s combined with the heartiness of stuffed peppers, it creates a comforting and nutritious meal. These Ratatouille Stuffed Peppers are perfect for a fancy dinner or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 small eggplant, diced into cubes
• 1 zucchini, diced into cubes
• 1 yellow squash, diced into cubes
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried basil)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice (optional, for added heartiness)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
4. Add the eggplant, zucchini, and yellow squash to the skillet. Cook until they are slightly softened.
5. Stir in the diced tomatoes and herbs (thyme, basil, and rosemary). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Continue cooking the mixture for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat. If using, mix in the cooked quinoa or rice.
7. Fill each bell pepper with the ratatouille mixture, packing it down gently.
8. If desired, sprinkle the top of each stuffed pepper with grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the tops are lightly browned.
10. Let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These Ratatouille Stuffed Peppers make a stunning presentation on a platter, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

This dish is not only delicious, but it’s also filled with nutritious vegetables. Adding quinoa or rice increases the protein content, making it a more satisfying meal. The optional Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch, but can be omitted for a dairy-free option.

Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up, feel free to substitute different vegetables based on your preference or seasonal availability. You can also add some crumbled feta or goat cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.