A flavorful and hearty Rustic Crockpot Eggplant Ratatouille, made with fresh vegetables and seasoned to perfection.
Author: Emma Rossi
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:6-8 hours
Total Time:8 hours 20 min
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Main Dish
Method:Slow Cooking
Cuisine:Mediterranean
Diet:Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
1 large eggplant, diced into 1-inch cubes
2 medium zucchinis, sliced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups ripe tomatoes, diced (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prep the Vegetables: Start by washing and cutting all the vegetables as indicated in the ingredients section. Make sure the eggplant cubes are salted and left to sit for around 15 minutes to reduce bitterness. Rinse and pat dry.
Layer in the Crockpot: In a large crockpot, layer the vegetables, starting with the eggplant, followed by zucchinis, bell peppers, onion, and garlic.
Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour the diced tomatoes (and their juice if using canned) over the layered vegetables. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper, and then drizzle the olive oil evenly over the mixture.
Mix It Up: Using a large spoon, gently mix the vegetables and seasonings together until everything is well combined.
Set the Crockpot: Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. You want the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Final Touches: Once done, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If you like a thicker consistency, feel free to leave the lid off for the last hour of cooking.
Serve: Ladle the ratatouille into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot, warm, or even at room temperature alongside crusty bread or over pasta or rice.
Notes
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated.
Add other vegetables like mushrooms or carrots for more variety.