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1. **Prepare the vegetables:**
– Start by prepping all the vegetables. Cut the eggplant, zucchini, onion, bell peppers, garlic, and tomatoes as described above.
2. **Cook the eggplant:**
– Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed eggplant and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is soft and slightly browned. Remove the eggplant from the skillet and set aside.
3. **Sauté the vegetables:**
– In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
4. **Add the garlic and zucchini:**
– Add the minced garlic and zucchini slices to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini begins to soften.
5. **Combine all ingredients:**
– Return the cooked eggplant to the skillet. Add the diced tomatoes, herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
6. **Simmer the ratatouille:**
– Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the ratatouille simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. **Add fresh herbs:**
– Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. **Serve:**
– Transfer the ratatouille to a serving dish and garnish with additional fresh basil and chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm, at room temperature, or even chilled.
### Tips:
– **Roasting method:** For a deeper flavor, roast the vegetables separately in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until they are caramelized and then combine them in a skillet with tomatoes and herbs.
– **Make it ahead:** Ratatouille tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– **Serving suggestions:** Enjoy ratatouille as a side dish with grilled meats or fish, as a topping for crusty bread, or as a main dish served over rice, pasta, or quinoa.
Enjoy your **Classic Niçoise Ratatouille**—a delicious, healthy, and versatile dish that brings the taste of Provence to your table!
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