They prepared several delicious dishes for the evening, but these Eggplant Cakes in a Tomato Pesto Sauce were my favourite. You can serve this recipe as an appetizer, the first course for a dinner party or even at lunchtime with a green salad. Think of this as a savoury cake. Once the eggplant is cooked, simply combine with the rest of the ingredients and bake. The dish can be served with the pesto sauce (below), a tomato sauce or combine the two for a rich flavour experience.

This recipe for a baked ratatouille tian combines layers of summer (estival) vegetables in an earthenware dish. You can vary the ingredients depending on what is available. This version of a traditional, Provencal side-dish comes from the kitchen at le Pistou Cookery School in Uzès.

This recipe it is an easy casserole of Baked Eggplant and Lamb with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts.

There is nothing like summer for easy, unfussy entertaining. These three dips – olive tapenade, a goat cheese version and a caviar of aubergine – are Mirabeau Wine adaptations of Provencal classics. Provence is often called a cold country with a hot sun because as soon as the sun’s down you …

Eggplants are a market staple in Provence. Although this recipe is more Italian in theme, you certainly can find lasagna on menus in Provence. Deep purple aubergines are a somewhat somber contrast to the bright red strawberries and tomatoes that you might find displayed on market stalls. This purple vegetable is a main stay in Provencal cuisine and certainly is a key ingredient in any ratatouille recipe.

A breathtaking display of deliciousness that could rival any of the old French Masters. This variation of Ratatouille speaks for itself. Artistically arranged tomatoes, peppers and eggplant bond together for a wonderful taste sensation topped with a refreshing vinaigrette followed by a drizzle of rich crema balsamica.

Contributor blog post by Phoebe Thomas: Ratatouille, pronounced ra-ta-too-ee, is a delicious vegetable stew originally from Nice, commonly found all over Provence and the South of France.  I feel I have to mention that it was this long before the Pixar film of the same name and the reason I …

This delicious, creamy eggplant appetizer may not carry the same expensive price tag as caviar, but your taste buds will quickly convert you into a lifetime fan. The Provence Gourmet shares his recipe for this classic dip (spread) for your next apero. If you are interested in cooking classes and …

The Provence Gourmet shares this one-pan, savoury main dish made with local Provencal lamb, eggplant and herbs. If you are interested in cooking classes and learning some traditional Provencal meals contact Gilles (Provence Gourmet) to find out about his classes. Image Credits: All photos were provided by and published with …

Contributor blog post by PestoPistou We’re still going strong with homegrown tomatoes, courgettes and aubergines here in Dorset, and with the addition of a solitary, ripe pepper this week (yes, just the one) the whipping up of a ratatouille seems unavoidable. Now, if Jacques Médecin is to be believed, each of …