Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1193 · Ratatouille

Ratatouille, and where to source it

Ratatouille — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Ratatouille French 5best2buy.com

Cook each vegetable separately in its own pan first, so none of them turn to water and the flavors stay distinct.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep30 min
Cook1 hr 15 min
MakesServes 6
CuisineFrench
Cost$
VeganGluten-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
Eggplant
1 large
1 large
Zucchini
3
3
Red and yellow peppers
2
2
Local / market
Ripe tomatoes
5
5
Local / market
Onion
1
1
Garlic
4 cloves
4 cloves
Fresh basil and thyme
1 handful
1 handful
Local / market
Olive oil
1/2 cup
1/2 cup
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Dice eggplant and salt it 20 minutes, then fry in olive oil until browned. Set aside.20 min
  2. Fry zucchini, then peppers, in separate batches. Reserve each.20 min
  3. Soften onion and garlic, add peeled chopped tomatoes and thyme, cook to a loose sauce.20 min
  4. Fold all vegetables into the tomato base and simmer gently, uncovered.25 min
  5. Off heat, stir through torn basil and a splash of raw olive oil.2 min
The Toolkit

Large skillet · Wooden spoon · Colander

Straight Answers
Can you make Ratatouille in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Ratatouille? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Ratatouille ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Ratatouille gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Ratatouille vegan? — Yes

Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1193