Check out this French ratatouille with smoky lentils recipe
Ratatouille, a classic French dish from Nice, is celebrated for its vibrant colors and rich flavors. It's a celebration of vegetables, cooked gently to perfection. Paired with smoky lentils, this version adds a hearty twist, making it a complete vegetarian and eggless meal. It honors cultural roots while offering a nutritious option for those seeking plant-based alternatives. Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
For the ratatouille, you will need one medium zucchini, one yellow squash, one small eggplant, two bell peppers (one red and one yellow), two tomatoes, three tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. For the smoky lentils, gather one cup green or brown lentils (rinsed), two cups vegetable broth, one teaspoon smoked paprika, half an onion (diced), two cloves garlic (minced), and salt to taste.
Preparing the vegetables
Start by washing all your vegetables thoroughly. Then, slice the zucchini, yellow squash and eggplant into thin rounds. For the bell peppers and tomatoes, it's necessary to remove the seeds first, then cut them into pieces that match the size of the other vegetables. This preparation ensures even cooking and a harmonious presentation in your dish, making each bite both visually appealing and flavorful.
Cooking the Ratatouille
In a large pan or skillet over medium heat, warm up three tablespoons of olive oil. Add all your prepared vegetables into the pan in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Season with salt and pepper according to taste. Stir occasionally and cook until they are tender but still hold their shape well—about 10 minutes should do it.
Preparing smoky lentils
As your vegetables continue to cook down for the ratatouille, begin preparing your lentils by warming a saucepan over a medium flame. Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the pan, sauteing them until they turn translucent, which should take about two minutes. Next, incorporate the rinsed lentils and sprinkle in the smoked paprika, infusing the mixture with a distinct smoky essence.
Combining lentils with vegetables
Add two cups of vegetable broth to the saucepan with the lentil mix. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered until the lentils are tender but firm, about 25 minutes, depending on the lentil type. Season with salt as needed in the last few minutes of cooking. Then, gently combine with the cooked ratatouille in a serving dish, ready to be enjoyed.
