Hearty Armenian Ratatouille Casserole
This Hearty Armenian Ratatouille Casserole is a beloved family recipe that brings together a vibrant mix of vegetables, creating a comforting and satisfying dish. Originating from cherished Armenian friends, this casserole is perfect for a family dinner or potluck. The combination of fresh veggies, tangy tomatoes, and a touch of catsup provides an unexpected depth of flavor. Serve it warm over fluffy rice or with a slice of crusty bread, and don’t forget to finish it with a cool dollop of yogurt for an extra creamy touch. The leftovers are a delightful treat, as the flavors meld beautifully overnight.
N/A
Servings
275
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Green Beans
1/2 lb (washed and trimmed)
Carrots
3 (peeled and chopped)
Large Potatoes
2 (peeled and cubed)
Green Bell Pepper
1 (chopped)
Celery Stalks
2 (chopped)
Medium Eggplant
1 (washed and cubed)
Medium Onions
2 (chopped)
Canned Tomatoes
1 (14-ounce) can (diced or crushed)
Catsup
1/2 cup
Sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons
Basil
1 teaspoon
Salt
2 teaspoons
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Small Zucchini
3 (sliced)
Plain Yogurt
1/2 cup (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Wash and chop the green beans, carrots, potatoes, green bell pepper, celery, eggplant, and onions into bite-sized pieces, keeping the zucchini aside for later.
3
In a large covered casserole or Dutch oven, combine the chopped vegetables with the canned tomatoes, catsup, sugar, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
4
Cover the casserole with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Allow it to cook for 1 1/2 hours, letting the flavors meld together.
5
After 1 1/2 hours, remove the casserole from the oven and gently fold in the sliced zucchini. Return the casserole to the oven without the lid and continue to cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the casserole is bubbling.
6
Once ready, serve the casserole hot over a bed of rice or alongside crusty bread. Top with a spoonful of plain yogurt for an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy the comforting warmth and heartiness of this delightful dish, and don’t forget that the leftovers taste even better the next day!
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
50g
Carbs
6g
Protein
7.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Armenian Ratatouille Casserole?
It is a traditional family dish consisting of a vibrant mix of vegetables like eggplant, potatoes, and green beans, slow-baked in a tomato-based sauce.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe originates from cherished Armenian friends and is a beloved family tradition.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this casserole is entirely vegetarian, containing only vegetables, seasonings, and an optional yogurt topping.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 275 calories.
What vegetables are needed for this casserole?
The dish requires green beans, carrots, potatoes, green bell pepper, celery, eggplant, onions, and zucchini.
How long does the casserole need to bake in total?
The total baking time is between 1 hour and 50 minutes and 2 hours.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What type of pot should I use for baking?
A large covered casserole dish or a Dutch oven is recommended for this recipe.
When do I add the zucchini to the dish?
The sliced zucchini should be folded in after the first 1.5 hours of baking.
Why is the zucchini added later than the other vegetables?
Adding it later prevents the zucchini from becoming too mushy during the long baking process.
What should I serve with Armenian Ratatouille?
It is delicious when served over a bed of fluffy rice or with a slice of crusty bread.
Is yogurt used in this recipe?
Yes, a cool dollop of plain yogurt is suggested as an optional topping for added creaminess.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 4g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides about 6g of protein.
Is this dish high in fiber?
Yes, it contains 7.5g of fiber per serving.
What unique ingredient adds depth to the sauce?
A half-cup of catsup is added to provide an unexpected depth of flavor to the tomato base.
How should the vegetables be chopped?
The vegetables should be chopped into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and eating.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
It should be covered for the first 1.5 hours, then uncovered for the final 20 to 30 minutes.
Do the leftovers store well?
Yes, the leftovers are excellent as the flavors continue to meld beautifully overnight.
How many potatoes are used?
The recipe calls for 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed.
What amount of green beans is required?
You will need 1/2 lb of washed and trimmed green beans.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
What are the primary seasonings used?
The dish is seasoned with basil, salt, and black pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, its hearty nature and the fact that it reheats well make it perfect for potlucks.
How many carrots should I use?
The recipe requires 3 carrots, peeled and chopped.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Use one 14-ounce can of either diced or crushed tomatoes.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, the dish is vegan as long as you omit the optional yogurt topping or use a plant-based yogurt.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 medium onions, chopped.
What type of bell pepper is recommended?
One chopped green bell pepper is used in this recipe.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 50g of carbohydrates per serving.