Ratatouille Niçoise à la Crème Fraîche

Indulge in the quintessential comfort food from the South of France. This Ratatouille Niçoise recipe brings together an array of vibrant vegetables simmered to perfection and elevated with a touch of luxurious crème fraîche. It’s a celebration of flavors that transports you straight to the sun-drenched fields of Provence, offering both simplicity and elegance in every bite.
“Ratatouille: A symphony of Provençal vegetables, harmoniously blending rustic charm with refined taste.”
Highlights
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 250kcal
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, diced
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 2 red bell peppers, cut into strips
- 2 yellow squash, sliced
- 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup crème fraîche
Instructions
Prepare Vegetables: Wash and chop all the vegetables as specified in the ingredients list.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add Bell Peppers and Eggplant: Stir in bell peppers and eggplant to the pan, cooking for another 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
Incorporate Remaining Vegetables: Add zucchini, squash, tomatoes, thyme, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors meld together beautifully.
Finish with Crème Fraîche: Remove from heat and stir in crème fraîche gently until well combined.
Serve Warm: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve warm as a main dish or side.
Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for this recipe, keep in mind that it may vary based on ingredients selected or substituted:
- Serving: 1 portion
- Calories: 250kcal
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 10g
Enjoy this Ratatouille Niçoise with a slice of crusty French bread or over steamed rice for a complete meal. The addition of crème fraîche adds a creamy richness that complements the natural sweetness and earthiness of the vegetables, making it an ideal dish for cozy evenings or special occasions. Serve alongside a glass of chilled rosé to perfectly capture the spirit of Provence. Bon appétit!