Description

This Slow Cooker Ratatouille is a comforting and easy vegetable stew that brings together eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, and tomatoes with fragrant herbs. Perfect for a hands-off meal, this recipe uses a slow cooker to meld the flavors into a tender, savory dish that pairs well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

1 eggplant, diced
2 zucchinis, sliced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced

Other Ingredients

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the vegetables: Wash and dice the eggplant, slice the zucchinis, chop the bell pepper and onion, and mince the garlic cloves to prepare all the vegetables for the slow cooker.
Layer ingredients in slow cooker: Add the diced eggplant, sliced zucchinis, chopped bell pepper, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker bowl. Pour in the undrained can of diced tomatoes.
Add seasonings and oil: Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the vegetables. Sprinkle the dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and pepper evenly on top to season the ratatouille.
Cook slowly: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook the ratatouille for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the vegetables are tender and flavors are well blended.
Serve and garnish: Once cooked, stir the ratatouille gently to combine all ingredients. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a bright, aromatic touch.

Notes

If you prefer a thicker stew, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let excess liquid evaporate.
For a richer flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes before cooking.
Use fresh herbs if available for a fresher taste, adding them at the end to maintain their aroma.
This dish is great as a main vegetarian meal or a hearty side dish.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Keywords: ratatouille, slow cooker recipe, vegetarian stew, eggplant recipe, zucchini, easy slow cooker meals