Mediterranean Ratatouille with Polenta Rounds

Mediterranean Ratatouille with Polenta Rounds

Mia

This stunning Mediterranean dish celebrates the sun-ripened vegetables of Provence, France, where ratatouille originated as a humble peasant dish. Our version elevates this classic by slow-simmering eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes with fragrant herbs until they meld into a rich, aromatic stew that captures the essence of summer. The vegetables soften and release their natural juices, creating a silky sauce perfumed with garlic, basil, and thyme.

Served atop crispy-edged, creamy polenta rounds, this dish transforms simple ingredients into an elegant, satisfying meal that's perfectly aligned with Mediterranean Diet principles. The polenta provides a comforting, slightly cheesy base that soaks up the flavorful ratatouille juices, while the Parmesan adds a savory depth without overwhelming the vegetables.

What makes this recipe special is the contrast of textures—the tender, melting vegetables against the firm yet creamy polenta—and the way each component can be prepared ahead. The ratatouille actually improves with time as the flavors deepen, making this an ideal make-ahead dinner for busy weeknights or elegant enough for entertaining. It's a complete meal that's naturally vegetarian, loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and heart-healthy olive oil.

Nutrition

1 hour 20 minutes
None servings
285 calories
Fat 13.00g
Carbs 36.00g
Protein 8.00g

Ingredients

1 1/2 cupspolenta (coarse cornmeal)
6 cupswater
1 1/2 tspsalt, divided
1/2 cupParmesan cheese, grated
5 tbspextra virgin olive oil, divided
1 mediumeggplant, diced into 3/4-inch cubes
2 mediumzucchini, diced into 3/4-inch cubes
1 largered bell pepper, diced into 3/4-inch pieces
1 largeyellow bell pepper, diced into 3/4-inch pieces
1 largeyellow onion, diced
4 clovesgarlic, minced
28 ozcanned crushed tomatoes
2 tbsptomato paste
1 tspdried thyme
1 tspdried oregano
1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
1/4 cupfresh basil, chopped
2 tbspfresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

Wooden spoon
Whisk
measuring cups and spoons
large skillet
grater
knife and cutting board
spatula
large saucepan
baking sheet or large plate
Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
round cookie cutter or glass (3-inch diameter)

16:8 Diet

This nutrient-dense, balanced meal is perfect for the 16:8 eating window, providing sustained energy from complex carbohydrates (polenta), fiber from abundant vegetables, and healthy fats from olive oil. The satisfying combination helps practitioners meet nutritional needs within the compressed timeframe while avoiding processed foods.

80/20 Diet

This recipe perfectly embodies the 80/20 principle with over 80% of ingredients being nutrient-dense whole foods (vegetables, whole grain polenta, olive oil) while allowing the 20% flexibility with Parmesan cheese for flavor. The emphasis on fresh, anti-inflammatory ingredients aligns with the diet's focus on mostly whole foods.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients including extra virgin olive oil, colorful vegetables rich in antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory herbs like basil, oregano, and garlic, this recipe avoids processed foods and refined ingredients. The variety of vegetables provides phytonutrients and fiber that support reduced inflammation.

Clean Eating

This recipe exemplifies clean eating with its use of whole, minimally processed ingredients including fresh vegetables, whole grain cornmeal, extra virgin olive oil, and real Parmesan cheese. Every ingredient is recognizable in its natural form with no artificial additives, preservatives, or refined ingredients.

DASH Diet

Perfectly aligned with DASH Diet principles, this recipe is naturally low in sodium, rich in potassium from vegetables, and emphasizes whole grains (polenta) and abundant produce. The recipe uses herbs and spices for flavor instead of salt, includes minimal cheese, and is loaded with heart-healthy vegetables and olive oil.

Diabetic Diet

This recipe supports stable blood sugar with its emphasis on non-starchy vegetables, whole grain polenta providing complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats from olive oil that slow digestion. The high fiber content from the vegetables helps regulate glucose absorption, making it suitable for diabetic meal planning with appropriate portion control of the polenta.

Flexitarian Diet

This recipe exemplifies flexitarian eating with its plant-forward approach, featuring vegetables as the main focus with whole grain polenta as a supporting base. The minimal dairy (Parmesan) is used as a flavor enhancer rather than a primary ingredient, perfectly demonstrating the flexitarian emphasis on plants with optional animal products.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, using polenta (cornmeal) as the grain base instead of wheat, and featuring only whole vegetables, olive oil, and naturally gluten-free ingredients. It's a safe, delicious option for those avoiding gluten without requiring any substitutions or modifications.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This heart-healthy recipe emphasizes extra virgin olive oil, abundant vegetables rich in antioxidants and fiber, and whole grains while using minimal cheese and no saturated fats or processed ingredients. The cooking methods (simmering, baking) require no frying, and the sodium can be easily controlled by adjusting the salt content.

High-Fiber Diet

This recipe is excellent for high-fiber diets, featuring fiber-rich vegetables including eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes, along with whole grain polenta. The combination of vegetables and whole grain cornmeal provides substantial dietary fiber that supports digestive health and satiety.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense, whole-food recipe provides sustained energy and satiety during eating windows with its combination of complex carbohydrates from polenta, fiber-rich vegetables, and healthy fats from olive oil. The balanced macronutrients and high vegetable content support stable blood sugar levels throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This satisfying, flavorful recipe honors both taste preferences and gentle nutrition with its combination of comforting polenta and flavorful vegetables, demonstrating that all foods fit within intuitive eating. The variety of textures and flavors promotes eating satisfaction while providing nourishment from whole food ingredients.

Mayo Clinic Diet

This recipe follows Mayo Clinic Diet principles with its emphasis on abundant vegetables, whole grains (polenta), and healthy fats from olive oil, while avoiding processed foods and refined ingredients. The nutrient-dense vegetables and reasonable portion of cheese create a satisfying, balanced meal that supports sustainable healthy eating.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe is a quintessential Mediterranean dish that emphasizes extra virgin olive oil, abundant vegetables (eggplant, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes), whole grains (polenta), and herbs, with minimal cheese used for flavor. It perfectly captures the Mediterranean Diet's focus on plant-based ingredients, healthy fats, and whole foods while avoiding processed ingredients and red meat.

MIND Diet

This recipe aligns with MIND Diet principles by emphasizing brain-healthy vegetables (especially leafy greens if added as garnish), whole grains (polenta), olive oil as the primary fat, and beans could be added for additional benefit. It avoids butter, red meat, and fried foods while focusing on antioxidant-rich, colorful vegetables.

Mindful Eating

This recipe is ideal for mindful eating with its variety of colors, textures, and aromas that engage multiple senses—from the tender vegetables to the creamy polenta and fragrant herbs. The whole, minimally processed ingredients and contrast between components encourage slow, conscious consumption and sensory appreciation.

Plant-Based Diet

This completely plant-based recipe features only vegetables, whole grains (polenta/cornmeal), and plant-based ingredients with no meat, fish, or eggs. The small amount of Parmesan can easily be substituted with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese to make it fully compliant while maintaining the rich, savory flavor profile.

Vegetarian Diet

This naturally vegetarian recipe contains no meat, poultry, fish, or seafood, focusing instead on abundant vegetables, whole grain polenta, and a modest amount of Parmesan cheese. It provides a complete, satisfying meal with plant-based protein from the vegetables and complex carbohydrates from the cornmeal.

Weight Watchers

This recipe follows Weight Watchers principles by prioritizing non-starchy vegetables as the star ingredient, using whole grains in moderation, and incorporating minimal added fats and cheese. The nutrient-dense, high-fiber vegetables and satisfying polenta base create a filling meal that supports weight management.

Instructions

1
8 min

Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan over high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of salt.

2

Gradually whisk in the polenta in a steady stream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

2 min
3
30 min

Reduce heat to low and simmer the polenta, stirring frequently, until thick and creamy, about 30 minutes. The polenta should pull away from the sides of the pan.

4

Remove polenta from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of olive oil until well combined.

1 min
5

Pour the polenta onto a lightly oiled baking sheet or large plate, spreading it into an even layer about 1/2-inch thick. Let cool completely until firm, about 20 minutes.

20 min
6
2 min

While the polenta cools, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

7
5 min

Add the diced onion to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-6 minutes.

8
1 min

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.

9
5 min

Add the diced eggplant and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until it begins to soften.

10
5 min

Add the zucchini and bell peppers, stirring to combine. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

11

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, oregano, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

1 min
12
30 min

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes until all vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded.

13

While the ratatouille simmers, use a round cookie cutter or glass (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut the cooled polenta into 12 rounds.

3 min
14

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

2 min
15
4 min

Working in batches if necessary, add the polenta rounds to the skillet and cook until golden brown and crispy on the bottom, about 3-4 minutes.

16
4 min

Flip the polenta rounds and cook until the second side is golden brown and crispy, another 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

17

Stir the chopped fresh basil into the finished ratatouille and taste, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

1 min
18

To serve, place 2 polenta rounds on each plate and ladle the warm ratatouille over and around them. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

2 min

Frequently Asked Questions