Ratatouille Soup Inspired by the Movie a comforting, rustic French vegetable soup, this Ratatouille Soup draws inspiration from the iconic dish featured in the beloved movie Ratatouille. It captures the essence of Provençal cooking with a medley of colorful vegetables simmered in a rich tomato broth. I love how it transforms simple garden ingredients into a vibrant, soul-warming meal that feels both nourishing and elegant.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium eggplant, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 yellow squash, diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
3 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions
I start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Then, I add chopped onion and garlic, cooking them until they turn translucent—about 5 minutes.
Next, I stir in the diced eggplant and let it cook for another 5 minutes until it begins to soften.
I follow with the zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper, cooking everything together for 7–10 minutes until the vegetables start to become tender.
I stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, and tomato paste.
Then I add the thyme, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper, bringing the soup to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, I reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes so the flavors can blend beautifully.
Finally, I taste and adjust the seasoning before serving it hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil or pesto.
Servings and timing
This Ratatouille Soup serves 6 and takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. Here's the breakdown:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: Around 180 kcal per serving
Variations
When I want to change it up, I sometimes add cooked white beans or chickpeas for extra protein. For a richer version, I stir in a spoonful of cashew cream or top it with a swirl of pesto. If I have extra time, I like to roast the vegetables first to deepen the flavor even more. And when I'm craving a bit of spice, I throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover Ratatouille Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day. For longer storage, I freeze portions for up to 3 months. When I reheat, I do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened.
FAQs
How can I make this soup more filling?
I sometimes add white beans, lentils, or cooked quinoa to make the soup heartier without losing its healthy profile.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, I can use about 4–5 fresh, ripe tomatoes. I chop them and simmer a bit longer to break them down fully.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Absolutely. I often make a big batch, and it reheats beautifully throughout the week, making it great for meal prep.
What other herbs can I use?
I’ve used rosemary, parsley, or herbes de Provence in place of the listed herbs for a slightly different French twist.
Can I blend the soup?
Yes, if I prefer a smoother texture, I blend half or all of the soup using an immersion blender or a standard blender for a creamy consistency.
Conclusion
This Ratatouille Soup is one of those recipes I return to again and again—especially when I want something cozy, clean, and satisfying. Whether I’m cooking for guests or just making a nourishing meal for myself, it always delivers warmth, color, and comfort in every spoonful. Inspired by a beloved movie and grounded in timeless French flavors, it’s a bowl of happiness I’m always glad to make.
📖 Recipe:
Ratatouille Soup Inspired by the Movie
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A comforting and rustic French vegetable soup inspired by the movie Ratatouille, featuring a medley of garden vegetables simmered in a rich tomato broth. It's plant-based, gluten-free, and packed with wholesome flavor.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium eggplant, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 yellow squash, diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
3 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the diced eggplant and cook for another 5 minutes until it begins to soften.
- Add the zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Cook for 7–10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, and tomato paste.
- Add thyme, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil or pesto.
Notes
Add white beans or chickpeas for extra protein.
Stir in cashew cream or top with pesto for a richer version.
Roast the vegetables beforehand for deeper flavor.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
Soup tastes even better the next day.
Freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
