Rustic Mediterranean Ratatouille with Herb-Infused Olive Oil

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

A hearty, rustic vegetable stew simmered with ripe tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and peppers, enriched by fragrant herb-infused olive oil. This Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian recipe (gluten free), ready in about 55 minutes, pairs extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 large diced yellow onion, sauté for 4-5 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium eggplant cut into 1-inch cubes, 2 medium zucchini sliced into 1/2-inch rounds, 1 large diced red bell pepper, and 1 large diced yellow bell pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 medium chopped ripe tomatoes, 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until the mixture thickens and flavors meld.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and remaining 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for a glossy finish. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rustic Mediterranean Ratatouille with Herb-Infused Olive Oil take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 Rustic Mediterranean Ratatouille with Herb-Infused Olive Oil?

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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rustic Mediterranean Ratatouille with Herb-Infused Olive Oil?

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 Rustic Mediterranean Ratatouille with Herb-Infused Olive Oil 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 Rustic Mediterranean Ratatouille with Herb-Infused Olive Oil gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged 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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