Rustic Provençal Ratatouille with Herbes de Provence

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

A classic Mediterranean vegetable stew bursting with flavors of eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes infused with fragrant herbes de Provence. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian, mediterranean) ready in about 55 minutes pairs medium, cut into 1-inch cubes zucchini, large, diced red bell pepper, large, diced 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 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 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced large yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium diced eggplant, 2 diced medium zucchinis, and 1 large diced red bell pepper to the pot. Stir well and cook for 8 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, 2 tsp herbes de Provence, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the stew thickens and vegetables are tender.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle remaining 2 tbsp olive oil over the ratatouille and stir gently. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Rustic Provençal Ratatouille with Herbes de Provence 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 Rustic Provençal Ratatouille with Herbes de Provence?

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 large, diced red bell pepper from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rustic Provençal Ratatouille with Herbes de Provence?

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 Provençal Ratatouille with Herbes de Provence 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 Provençal Ratatouille with Herbes de Provence vegetarian?

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

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