Description
Baked Ratatouille with Goat’s Cheese Delight is a rustic French dish featuring roasted vegetables and creamy goat’s cheese, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large eggplant (about 1 pound), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large red onion, roughly chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 oz soft goat’s cheese (chèvre)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, torn, plus extra for garnish
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the eggplant cubes in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out any bitterness. Pat the eggplant dry with paper towels.
- In a large ovenproof dish or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize slightly.
- Add the diced tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers to the pot. Stir in the thyme leaves, season with salt and pepper, and toss everything together until well combined.
- Cover the dish with a lid or foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the cover and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the liquid has reduced slightly.
- In a small bowl, combine the goat’s cheese, lemon zest, honey (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Remove the ratatouille from the oven. Dollop the goat’s cheese mixture over the top of the hot vegetables. Sprinkle with torn basil leaves and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
- Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is warm and softened but still maintains its shape.
- Remove from the oven, drizzle with a little extra olive oil, and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Baked Ratatouille with Goat’s Cheese Delight actually improves with time as the flavors continue to develop.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze the base without goat’s cheese for up to 3 months.
- To make it a complete meal, serve over quinoa or rice.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 55
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 19
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 11
- Cholesterol: N/A
Keywords: baked ratatouille, goat cheese, vegetarian french recipe, roasted vegetables, gluten free side dish