Ratatouille Stewed Vegetable Medley with Fresh Basil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant vegetable stew simmered with garlic, herbs, and fresh basil, showcasing the essence of Mediterranean summer produce. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 55 minutes pairs medium, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced eggplant, 2 diced zucchinis, and 1 large each of chopped red and yellow bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp fresh thyme, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and the sauce thickens.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Serve warm as a side or over crusty bread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Ratatouille Stewed Vegetable Medley with Fresh Basil take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Ratatouille Stewed Vegetable Medley with Fresh Basil?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium, diced yellow onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ratatouille Stewed Vegetable Medley with Fresh Basil?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Ratatouille Stewed Vegetable Medley with Fresh Basil for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Ratatouille Stewed Vegetable Medley with Fresh Basil vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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