Gordon Ramsay's Classic Ratatouille with Premium Tomato Sauce
Gordon Ramsay's interpretation of the beloved Provençal vegetable stew brings together eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions in a rich tomato base. The generous use of premium tomato sauce and extra virgin olive oil creates a robust, Mediterranean flavor profile perfect for family dinners or elegant entertaining. This rustic yet refined version maintains the vegetables' texture while allowing each ingredient to shine through careful seasoning and gentle simmering. Serve as a hearty main dish with crusty bread or as an sophisticated side alongside grilled meats.
Ingredients
- 1 cup premium tomato saucecanned crushed tomatoes1:1vegetarianbudget
may be less concentrated
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 2 onions, finely diced
- 2 eggplants, diced into bite-sized cubesJapanese eggplant1:1texture preference
less bitter, more tender
- 2 zucchinis, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- 1
Dice the eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, tomato, and onion
- 2
Mince the garlic clove
- 3
Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat
- 4
Add the diced vegetables and minced garlic to the pot
- 5
Stir everything together until evenly mixed
- 6
Season with salt and black pepper
- 7
Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally
- 8
Add the tomato sauce and stir to combine
- 9
Simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes or until vegetables are tender but still have some bite
- 10
Serve warm
Tips
Salt the diced eggplant and let it sit for 15 minutes before cooking to draw out bitterness and excess moisture
Cut all vegetables to similar sizes for even cooking and better presentation
Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution
Good to Know
Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container
Can be made 1 day ahead and reheated gently on the stove
Serve warm as a main dish with crusty bread or as a side dish
Common Mistakes
Dice vegetables uniformly to avoid uneven cooking
Don't overcook to maintain vegetable texture
Season in layers throughout cooking for better flavor development
Substitutions
may be less concentrated
less bitter, more tender
FAQ
Can I make this ratatouille ahead of time?
Yes, ratatouille actually improves in flavor when made a day ahead. Store covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove before serving.
What if I don't have premium tomato sauce?
Regular canned crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce work well as substitutes. You may want to add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
Properly stored ratatouille will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. The flavors continue to meld and improve over time.