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Mouthwatering French Vegetarian Dinner Feast: Savory Ratatouille & Herb-Infused Polenta

Discover a mouthwatering and easy-to-follow French vegetarian dinner featuring savory ratatouille and aromatic herb-infused polenta that will elevate your senses with its flavors and visual appeal. Perfect for gatherings or special occasions, this recipe can be prepared in under an hour.

Time: (Prep, Cook, Total) - Prep Time: 20 minutes - Cook Time: 35 minutes - Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: French, Vegetarian

Allergens

Dairy (Parmesan cheese)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cornmeal
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1
  • inch pieces
  • 2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1
  • inch pieces
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Freshly grated nutmeg

Instructions

  1. a. In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in cornmeal and cook over low heat until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and mix in Parmesan cheese, half of the basil, parsley, and thyme. Cover and set aside. b. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add eggplant and zucchini, cooking until slightly softened. Remove from pan and set aside. c. In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil, onion, and garlic. Cook until onion is translucent. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in cooked vegetables and remaining herbs. d. To serve, spoon ratatouille onto plates and top with dollops of polenta. Garnish with additional fresh herbs.

Chef’s Insight

To enhance the depth of flavor in this dish, allow the ratatouille to sit for 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Notes

Serve with a crisp white wine for the perfect pairing.

Cultural or Historical Background

Ratatouille is a classic French vegetable stew, often prepared during summer months when vegetables are abundant. Polenta is a versatile Italian dish made from cornmeal and can be served in various textures, from creamy to firm.