Ratatouille is the ultimate cozy, veggie-packed dish, but have you ever tried adding pears? This sweet and savory twist brings a subtle natural sweetness that balances out the hearty eggplant, zucchini, and bell pepper. Plus, pears are packed with fiber and antioxidantsโa heart-healthy win!
This dish is as versatile as it getsโserve it as a vibrant side with grilled chicken or fish, or make it a plant-based meal by stirring in chickpeas. The best part? One pan, simple ingredients, and 40 minutes from start to finish!
This recipe was developed in sponsorship with USA Pears. This blog post was written on my own without their review.
Why Pears?
Did you know that pears are loaded with fiber? About 21% of your daily needs in one pear. Plus it is rich in soluble fiber, the type of fiber recommended in the Portfolio diet to help lower cholesterol levels.
And did I mention it has 206 mg of potassium which supports a healthy blood pressure?
Sounds like a good add to me!
Ingredients in Pear Ratatouille
This pear ratatouille is packed with heart-healthy, fiber-rich ingredients:
- Pears โ Adds natural sweetness and fiber.
- Eggplant, zucchini, red bell pepper, onion โ A colorful mix of nutrient-dense veggies.
- Cherry tomatoes โ Adds juiciness and a hint of acidity.
- Garlic & red pepper flakes โ For flavor depth and a little kick.
- Olive oil โ A heart-healthy fat that enhances absorption of nutrients.
- Fresh cilantro โ A bright garnish to bring it all together.
Want to boost the protein? Stir in a can of chickpeas for a plant-based meal, or serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish!
How To Make This Sweet and Savory Pear Ratatouille
This dish comes together in just 40 minutes and it’s pretty simple to execute once all of the vegetables are chopped.
First sautรฉ the onions and garlic in extra virgin olive oil for a flavorful base.
Next cook the veggies in stages to keep their texture. I would recommend starting with the eggplant and peppers first, followed by the zucchini and pear.
Add the cherry tomatoes and spices and let everything simmer so the flavors meld together.
Garnish and serve warm. Add your favorite heart healthy proteins to round out the dish.
Leftovers and Storage
This dish can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days, and as a bonus, the flavors get even better as they sit!
Watch How Easily It Comes Together
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy this sweet and savory pear ratatouille! The flavor options are endless by using your favorite nuts and dried fruits, so have fun with them!
And if you LOVE this recipe and are interested in other heart-healthy recipes, subscribe to my newsletter for a FREE 7-day heart-healthy meal plan to get you started on lowering your blood pressure or cholesterol today.
Sweet and Savory Pear Ratatouille
Equipment
- Skillet
- 1 Wooden Spoon
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pear cubed
- 1 medium eggplant diced
- 1 zucchini sliced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 onion chopped
- 12 oz cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic whole
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp red pepper flakes
- 1 bunch cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Start by chppping the pear, eggplant, zucchini, red bell pepper, and onion and set everything aside
- Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and whole garlic cloves, and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent.
- Remove the onions and garlic from the skillet. Add the diced eggplant and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften but retain their shape.
- Remove the eggplant and red bell pepper. Add the zucchini and cubed pear to the skilled, cooking for another 5 minutes until the zucchini becomes tender and the pear begins to soften.
- Add the cooked onions, garlic, eggplant and bell pepper back into the dish. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Stir to continue.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the raratouille simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Once the vegetables are cooked and the tomatoes have softened, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.