This Italian Vegetable Skillet recipe is a delightful combination of vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, perfect for a European-inspired weeknight meal that’s ready in under four hours, with just 36 minutes of cook time and 30 minutes of prep time, resulting in a total cooking time of 1 hour and 6 minutes. It’s a stove-top recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds with every savory bite.
Starting with the aromatic base, you’ll need one finely diced onion, one diced green pepper, and three cloves of garlic, all sautéed in a large non-stick skillet with a drizzle of olive oil. Allow them to sizzle and soften for about three minutes, or until the onion turns beautifully transparent, releasing its sweet essence into the air.
Next, introduce the stars of the show: one sliced zucchini and one diced eggplant, joining the sauté party in the skillet. Stir them in gently, allowing them to mingle with the onions and peppers, absorbing the flavors of garlic and olive oil as they cook. Let them sauté together for another three minutes, creating a symphony of colors and textures in the pan.
Now, it’s time to infuse these veggies with even more flavor. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and pour in half a cup of vegetable broth, along with a teaspoon each of dried basil and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring each vegetable is coated in this fragrant broth. Cover the skillet and let the vegetables simmer for a luxurious 20 minutes, or until they reach a delightful state of tenderness, adding more broth if needed to maintain moisture and prevent sticking.
Once the vegetables are just tender enough to melt in your mouth, it’s time to add a luscious layer of tomato sauce, which will bring a rich depth of flavor to the dish. Pour the sauce over the simmering vegetables, allowing it to cascade and mingle among the zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and onions. Cover the skillet once again and let the flavors marry for an additional 10 minutes, until the vegetables are perfectly tender and infused with the essence of tomatoes.
To add a final flourish of freshness and color, sprinkle a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley over the top of the skillet, allowing its vibrant green hues to contrast beautifully with the rich, velvety sauce and tender vegetables. This adds a burst of herbaceous brightness that elevates the dish to new heights of culinary delight.
Once your Italian Vegetable Skillet is adorned with parsley, it’s ready to be served, either as a standalone meal or as a delicious side dish to complement your favorite entrees. With each spoonful, you’ll savor the harmonious blend of flavors and textures, from the tender-crisp vegetables to the aromatic herbs and savory tomato sauce.
Nutritionally, this dish is as satisfying as it is delicious. With just 107.5 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that won’t weigh you down. It’s low in fat, with only 3.9 grams per serving, and contains no cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy option for you and your loved ones. Plus, with 5.5 grams of fiber and 3.5 grams of protein per serving, it’s a nutritious choice that will keep you feeling full and satisfied.
So, whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a flavorful side dish to impress your guests, this Italian Vegetable Skillet recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. With its simple preparation, wholesome ingredients, and mouthwatering flavors, it’s a dish that embodies the essence of Italian cooking: fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious.
