I could see how this could work well in an oven. I might have to try that! I guess the issue is that our oven really heats up our kitchen as there's a vent on top that vents hot oven air. Wish tomatoes/zucchini/eggplant were in season in fall/winter. Also love the idea of adding balsamic vinegar. Such a good combo with eggplants and tomato!

One of my favorite dishes, and I agree with everything you've written here. I do freeze it; it's one of my Post Holiday remedies. Nothing better than a bowl of Ratatouille from the freezer to chase away the January gloom. Something about the silky soft veggies all mingling in their juices makes this so comforting.

I do make a version of this on a sheet pan in the oven when I don't have time to slowly simmer the veggies. A chef friend taught it to me. The caramelization adds a wonderful dimension to the dish, but it isn't quite the Ratatouille I crave. It makes a fantastic salad, though, with the addition of Balsamic vinegar.