ratatouille …

September 30, 2010

Many popular dishes these days were once “peasant dishes” back in the day.  Ratatouille, once known as a peasant dish is now served in sophisticated restaurants all over the world.
Ratatouille is one of those dishes that can be made over a hundred different ways depending on the region, or personal preference.
I grew up eating ratatouille that my mom would make.  She would always tell me that the real French way to make it is to saute each vegetable separately.
My favorite way to eat this dish is with grilled salmon and rice.  I guess it’s a sort of comfort food for me.
Here is a great recipe for ratatouille.  And, perhaps it will help you to use all of your garden’s harvest of zucchini, squash, and tomatoes.
Ratatouille
1 eggplant, cubed
1 zucchini, cubed
1 yellow squash, cubed
1 green pepper, diced
1 red pepper, diced
1 small onion, cut in strips
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
4-5 large tomatoes, cubed
1 tbs fresh basil, chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbs fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbs chicken broth [and, possibly more to thin]
salt and pepper to taste
extra virgin olive oil
Parmesan cheese to top {optional}
directions
1. heat 1 tbs olive oil in a large stock pot [5 qt or so], over medium heat.  add the onions and garlic and cook stirring until soft.
2.  in a large skillet heat 1 tbs olive oil and saute the zucchini until slightly browned on all sides [in batches if the pan is too small for all of it].  Remove cooked zucchini and place in pot with the onions and garlic.
3. saute all the remaining vegetables (all except tomatoes) one batch at a time until tender adding 1 tbs of olive oil to the skillet each time.  add each to the large pot as cooked.
4.  season the vegetables with salt and pepper and herbs, and add broth.  cover the pot.  cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5.  add chopped tomatoes and parsley to the pot and cook another 10-15 minutes, stir occasionally.
6. adjust seasoning.
serve with rice, noodles, polenta, salad, fish, chicken.
enjoy!
{photo by me}

2 thoughts on “ratatouille …

  1. Rach

    Chad literally said to me the night before you posted this that he wanted to try and make rattitoui…or however it's spelled. We are stoked to try this, as well as that lemon curd link you gave me!

    Oh and with the stroller, it took me a while to get the hang of while running(the whole kicking the back seat) but I have it down now, chad runs to the side if it when it's his turn to push:) I agree with you though, the bob is brilliant for running.

    Reply

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