Name: Ratatouille Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium eggplant, diced; 2 medium zucchinis, diced; 2 bell peppers (red or yellow), diced; 4 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of diced tomatoes); 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 bay leaf; 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish); 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth of flavor)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Ratatouille Soup is a warm, comforting, and nutritious vegetable soup inspired by the classic French ratatouille dish. Bursting with the fresh flavors of summer vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and bell peppers, this soup is light yet hearty and full of rich, aromatic herbs. It’s a great way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of ratatouille in a cozy, easy-to-make soup form. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or a flavorful dish to serve at a gathering, Ratatouille Soup is a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ratatouille Soup is packed with colorful, fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs, making it a healthy and flavorful choice for any meal. The combination of soft vegetables in a savory broth creates a perfect balance of textures. The addition of herbs like thyme and basil gives the soup an aromatic quality, while the tomatoes add a touch of sweetness and acidity. It’s a versatile recipe that can be served with crusty bread for a satisfying meal, or as a side dish to complement your main course.

Ratatouille Soup Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium eggplant, diced
2 medium zucchinis, diced
2 bell peppers (red or yellow), diced
4 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth of flavor)

Directions

Prepare the vegetables: Dice the onion, garlic, eggplant, zucchinis, bell peppers, and tomatoes. If using canned tomatoes, drain the juice before adding them to the soup.
Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Cook the vegetables: Add the diced eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
Add the tomatoes and herbs: Add the chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes), dried thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes to combine the flavors.
Add the broth: Pour in the vegetable broth, season with salt and pepper to taste, and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Finish with balsamic vinegar (optional): If desired, add 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the soup for added depth and a touch of sweetness. Stir well to combine.
Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped basil for a burst of color and freshness.
Enjoy: Serve warm with a side of crusty bread or a dollop of creamy yogurt for extra richness.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add beans: For extra protein and fiber, add a can of drained and rinsed white beans or chickpeas to the soup. This will make the soup heartier and more filling.
Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup for a spicy kick.
Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or green beans for a heartier soup.
Blend the soup: For a smoother texture, blend part or all of the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender. This will create a creamier consistency.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover Ratatouille Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This soup freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply heat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little extra broth or water to loosen the soup, as it may thicken upon sitting.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

2. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to thaw them first before adding them to the soup.

3. Can I add meat to this soup?

Yes, if you want to add some meat, ground turkey, chicken, or sausage would work well in this soup. Brown the meat before adding the vegetables and proceed with the recipe as directed.

4. Can I make this soup in the slow cooker?

Yes! You can make this soup in the slow cooker. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You can sauté the onions and garlic first for added flavor, or simply add them raw.

5. How do I make this soup creamy?

If you prefer a creamy version, you can blend a portion of the soup and stir in some heavy cream or coconut milk at the end. Alternatively, you could add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.

6. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, fresh herbs can be used instead of dried. Use 3-4 times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried (for example, 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme instead of 1 teaspoon of dried thyme).

Conclusion

Ratatouille Soup is a delicious, healthy, and vibrant dish that’s perfect for enjoying the flavors of summer vegetables year-round. With its rich, savory broth and tender vegetables, this soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients. It’s a great way to enjoy a hearty yet light meal that’s bursting with flavor. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this Ratatouille Soup will quickly become a favorite!