21

min
  • dinners

Binary Baked Ratatouille

Ratatouille, a traditional French dish, is a medley of colorful vegetables layered and baked to perfection. Our Binary Baked Ratatouille takes this tradition and adds a twist, introducing a unique blend of spices that will take your taste buds on an exciting journey. This recipe is not only delicious but is also a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors and beautifully arranged layers.

  • SERVES
    6 people
  • PREP TIME
    20 minutes
  • Cook TIME
    1 hour
Ingredients
  • 2 zucchinis
  • 2 yellow squashes
  • 2 small eggplants
  • 2 red bell peppers
  • 4 Roma tomatoes
  • 1 onion
  • 5 cloves of garlic
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Slice all the other vegetables into thin rounds.
  3. Heat some olive oil over medium heat in a pan. Add the onion and garlic and cook until they soften.
  4. Add the crushed tomatoes, thyme, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Stir well and let it simmer.
  5. Spread the tomato mixture at the bottom of a baking dish.
  6. Arrange the sliced vegetables in an alternating pattern on top of the tomato mixture.
  7. Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
  8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 50 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes or until the vegetables have browned.

Ratatouille, a dish that originated from Nice, France, traditionally consists of stewed vegetables. But this Binary Baked Ratatouille takes a different approach. Rather than stewing the vegetables, they are thinly sliced and layered in a baking dish. The result is a dish that maintains the integrity and individual flavors of each vegetable, yet they all come together in a beautiful harmony. The addition of smoked paprika and cumin introduces a smoky depth of flavor that perfectly complements the fresh vegetables.

The inspiration behind this recipe was the desire to elevate a humble vegetable dish into something extraordinary. By tweaking the traditional ratatouille recipe and baking it instead of stewing, we have created a dish that is visually stunning and offers a unique flavor experience.

The Binary Baked Ratatouille stands out because it respects the individuality of each vegetable, yet allows them to come together to create a symphony of flavors. The smoky notes from the spices contrast beautifully with the freshness of the vegetables, creating a dish that is both delicious and satisfying. This recipe truly embodies the spirit of Iron Chef, taking a classic recipe and reinventing it in a unique and exciting way.

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