Ratatouille
Prep Time
10 minsCook Time
7-8 minsFree Time
to catch up with an old friend
Enjoy the fresh flavors of summer produce with this quick and easy microwave ratatouille recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish highlights the best of seasonal vegetables. Chop all ingredients into a uniform ½” dice to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. Adapted from Food52’s Genius Ratatouille by Alice Waters, this version is both convenient and delicious.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work—, and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Shallow Dish
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30g) tomato paste
- ¼ small onion (30g), finely chopped
- ¼ red bell pepper (30g), deseeded and diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup (60g) zucchini, diced
- ½ cup (40g) eggplant, diced
- 2 small roma tomatoes, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon dry or fresh thyme leaves
- 10 basil leaves, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Preparation
- Place the olive oil, tomato paste, onion, bell pepper, and garlic in the Anyday dish. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave for 3 minutes, or until vegetables are soft.
- Add the zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper and toss well to coat.
- Cover and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft when pierced with a fork.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with basil.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Spicy Ratatouille: Add chili flakes with the rest of the seasoning before cooking for a spicy twist.
- Tangy Balsamic: Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the cooked vegetables for a fresh, tangy flavor.
- Black Olive Ratatouille: Stir in black Kalamata or Niçoise olives after cooking for a briny touch.
Recipe notes
- Substitute tomato paste for marinara sauce for a more saucy dish.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All You Need to Know About Making Ratatouille in the Microwave
Can I Make Ratatouille in the Microwave?
Yes, you can make ratatouille in the microwave! While it might be counterintuitive, you can make this classic French dish, packed with vegetables, in the microwave using an Anyday dish.
How Long Can I Keep Ratatouille in the Fridge?
You can keep ratatouille in the fridge for up to 5 days. Store it in an airtight container, like an Anyday dish, to maintain its freshness and flavor. Microwave ratatouille makes it a great make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
What's the Best Way to Reheat Ratatouille?
The best way to reheat ratatouille is in the microwave using Anyday cookware. Simply cover with the vented lid and microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Stir halfway for even heating. This method preserves the texture and flavor of the dish.
How Do I Know if Ratatouille Is Cooked?
Ratatouille is cooked when the vegetables are tender but not mushy. In the microwave, this typically takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on the wattage of your microwave and the size of your vegetable pieces. The vegetables should retain their shape and have a slight bite to them, indicating that they are perfectly cooked.
Can I Freeze Microwave Ratatouille?
Yes, you can freeze microwave ratatouille. Allow it to cool completely before covering it with the vented lid and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place the Anyday dish in the microwave and cook for 3-6 minutes depending on the serving size.