This quick and easy Instant Pot Ratatouille is SO incredibly simple. With only a few minutes prep you can set it and forget it, then come back to a beautifully vibrant, flavorful, and healthy French classic. Enjoy the rich summer vegetables in a fraction of the time, perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion.

I’ve wanted to try a quicker version of Ratatouille using the Instant Pot for ages. I love the rich, comforting flavours of the classic french vegetable stew, but let’s face it, who has the time to make that at the end of a busy day?

So, I decided to test out tossing everything in the Instant Pot and was DELIGHTED with the result.

Friends, this is a game changer.

I know, I know. I hear you, die-hard French cooks. Je suis désolée, this probably doesn’t follow french cuisine rules. BUT it’s a fantastic shortcut to a delicious, easy dinner, so I’m here for it.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Ratatouille Recipe

Quick to make
Crammed with healthy veg & great flavor
Works as a main dish or a side
Easy weeknight dinner option

Main Ingredients

Large courgette (zucchini)

Aubergine (eggplant)

Bell peppers: I use a mixture of peppers to add both flavor and to create a little color.

Fresh tomatoes: Use really good quality fresh tomatoes for the best flavor. They will lift the whole dish, making the tomato sauce irresistible.

Canned tomatoes

White onion

Garlic cloves

Tomato purée (paste)

Bouquet garni: This is a fancy way of saying ‘selection of herbs’. Buy bouquet garni ready-made in the supermarket, or substitute with either dried or fresh herbs. Use ½ teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, ½ teaspoon dried or ½ tablespoon fresh thyme and 1 bay leaf.

Olive oil: Sauté the vegetables in olive oil or another neutral oil such as vegetable oil. When serving, I drizzle a little Extra Virgin Olive Oil on top.

Salt and black pepper

How to Make Ratatouille in the Instant Pot

Step 1: Prepare the fresh vegetables. Chop the courgette (zucchini), aubergine (eggplant) and bell peppers into 2cm chunks. Then cut the tomatoes into quarters, finely chop the onions and mince the garlic.

Step 2: Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté and add 1 teaspoon oil. Once hot, add the onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Then add the minced garlic and sauté another minute, until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the courgette, aubergine and peppers to the Instant Pot and sauté for 1-2 mins, stirring occasionally. Turn off the sauté function.

Step 4: Add the quartered tomatoes, chopped tomatoes, tomato purée and herbs and stir to combine all the ingredients. If anything is stuck on the bottom of the pan, scrape it off to avoid getting a BURN notice during pressure cooking.

Step 5: Secure the lid and turn the valve to ‘Sealing’. Select the manual or pressure cook button and cook on HIGH pressure for 4 minutes. When cooking time is complete, do a quick release.

Step 6: Remove the bay leaf, season to taste and serve topped with fresh basil and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Equipment

Instant Pot: One of the BEST kitchen gadgets I ever bought!
Sharp knife
Chopping board

How to Serve Ratatouille

With Ratatouille, the choice is very much yours! In France, how to serve ratatouille varies by region. While often eaten as a main meal, it is also a perfect side dish. Some good options include:

Rice
Polenta
Crusty bread
Pasta
Mashed potatoes
Fish
Grilled chicken breast
Grilled lamb
Eggs, for a shakshuka style breakfast

Check out our list of meats to serve with ratatouille.

Top Tips

– This pressure cooker Ratatouille recipe is ideal for making double quantities. Cook a large batch and freeze the extra for another day.

– For best flavor, use yellow, orange or red bell pepper rather than a green bell pepper as they often taste sweeter.

– When serving, drizzle with a little bit of extra virgin olive oil and top with fresh basil for even more authentic Mediterranean flavor.

– Turn the classic vegetarian recipe into a meat dish by adding shredded chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store ratatouille?

Store your ratatouille in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat the ratatouille in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through or microwave it on a low setting, stirring occasionally.

Can you freeze ratatouille?

Yes, ratatouille can be frozen. Once fully cooled to room temperature, transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container and freeze for 3-4 months. Thawed ratatouille should not be refrozen and should be consumed within 3-4 days.

How to serve ratatouille

Ratatouille works as both a main meal and a side dish, meaning there are many different ways to enjoy it. Read our list of ideas of how to serve ratatouille above.

Do I have to use fresh tomatoes?

No. If you don’t have any fresh tomatoes, add the canned chopped tomatoes as stated in the recipe and 120ml / ½ cup vegetable broth (stock). If there is a lot of liquid left in the pan at the end of the cooking time press sauté and allow the ratatouille to bubble for a few minutes to reduce the sauce.

If you make this Instant Pot Ratatouille recipe I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below. You can also tag me on Instagram or Facebook so I can see it!