Best 4 Summer Vegetable Ratatouille Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant streets of France with this delightful summer vegetable ratatouille recipe. This classic dish captures the essence of Provençal cuisine, blending an array of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and rich flavors. Discover the art of creating a colorful and flavorful main course or side dish using seasonal zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, tomatoes, and garlic. Learn how to transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary vegetarian dish, perfect for a light lunch or as an accompaniment to grilled meats. Follow our step-by-step instructions and uncover the secrets of achieving the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Enhance your cooking skills and impress your family and friends with this culinary masterpiece.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

THE BEST RATATOUILLE



The Best Ratatouille image

Summer delivers a bounty of fresh vegetables all at once and we scramble to use them up before they become scarce again. This southern French staple is the perfect way to get all your summer goodies into one dish. As the stew slowly simmers, the flavors mingle in the most perfect of ways, giving you a dish that is stunning on its own or equally fabulous served alongside grilled meats or fish.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h

Yield 6 servings as a main, 12 servings as a side

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 yellow bell peppers, diced into 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
1 large yellow onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large eggplant (1 1/2 pounds), diced into 1/2-inch pieces (about 9 cups)
1 large zucchini (1 pound), diced into 1/2-inch pieces (about 3 1/2 cups)
3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
1 1/2 pounds ripe tomatoes, diced into 1/2-inch pieces (about 4 cups)
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for serving
6 large fresh basil leaves, torn, plus more for serving

Steps:

  • Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering, about 1 minute. Add the bell peppers, onion and 1 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring often, until the onions are translucent and the bell peppers have softened slightly, about 10 minutes. Add the eggplant, the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring often, until the eggplant is very soft, about 8 minutes. Add the zucchini and continue to cook, stirring often, until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, tomato paste and red pepper flakes, if using. Cook, stirring often, until the zucchini has softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the tomatoes, bring to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the ratatouille has reached a thick stew-like consistency, about 10 minutes. Stir in the parsley and basil with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon into a bowl and sprinkle with more fresh parsley and basil before serving.

RATATOUILLE



Ratatouille image

A classic, easy Ratatouille recipe

Categories     Herb     Tomato     Vegetable     Vegetarian     Eggplant     Gourmet

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 onion, sliced thin
2 garlic cloves, minced
5 tablespoons olive oil
a 3/4-pound eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 3 cups)
1 small zucchini, scrubbed, quartered lengthwise, and cut into thin slices
1 red bell pepper, chopped
3/4 pound small ripe tomatoes, chopped coarse (about 1 1/4 cups)
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
1/8 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shredded fresh basil leaves

Steps:

  • In a large skillet cook the onion and the garlic in 2 tablespoons of the oil over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons oil and heat it over moderately high heat until it is hot but not smoking. Add the eggplant and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes, or until the eggplant is softened. Stir in the zucchini and the bell pepper and cook the mixture over the moderate heat, stirring occasionally, for 12 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and cook the mixture, stirring occassionaly, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the oregano, the thyme, the coriander, the fennel seeds, the salt, and pepper to taste and cook the mixture, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in the basil and combine the mixture well. The ratatouille may be made 1 day in advance, kept covered and chilled, and reheated before serving.

GRILLED RATATOUILLE



Grilled Ratatouille image

This classic French dish was meant for your grill. Summer vegetables are charred, chopped and dressed with olive oil, fresh herbs and garlic. Serve it as a side with grilled chicken or pork or slather it on grilled bread.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 large beefsteak tomatoes, halved crosswise
2 medium zucchini
1 large eggplant
1 small red onion, halved lengthwise (through the root end)
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
Kosher salt

Steps:

  • Prepare a grill for medium heat.
  • Put the tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant and onion on the grill and cover. Grill the tomatoes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred, 5 to 6 minutes. Grill the zucchini, eggplant and onion, turning every 5 minutes, until lightly charred and tender when poked with the tip of a small, sharp knife, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • When cool enough to handle, chop all of the vegetables except the onion into bite-size pieces and add to a medium bowl. Chop the onion finely and add to the bowl. Fold in the oil, basil, parsley, thyme, garlic and 1 tablespoon salt. Serve warm or at room temperature.

SUMMER VEGETABLE RATATOUILLE



Summer Vegetable Ratatouille image

My favorite way to serve this ratatouille is with crepes. Very delicious. I also add a mixed green salad on the side, and some French bread with butter for a wonderful meal. It makes a large batch, but I found that it freezes really well for future use.

Provided by Rani

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Tomatoes

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 onion, sliced into thin rings
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium eggplant, cubed
2 zucchini, cubed
2 medium yellow squash, cubed
2 green bell peppers, seeded and cubed
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 chopped red bell pepper
4 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
½ cup olive oil
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
4 sprigs fresh thyme
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Heat 1 1/2 tablespoon of the oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until soft.
  • In a large skillet, heat 1 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and saute the zucchini in batches until slightly browned on all sides. Remove the zucchini and place in the pot with the onions and garlic.
  • Saute all the remaining vegetables one batch at a time, adding 1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet each time you add a new set of vegetables. Once each batch has been sauteed add them to the large pot as was done in step 2.
  • Season with salt and pepper. Add the bay leaf and thyme and cover the pot. Cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Add the chopped tomatoes and parsley to the large pot, cook another 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  • Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 190.6 calories, Carbohydrate 15.9 g, Fat 14.1 g, Fiber 5.9 g, Protein 3.2 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 13.1 mg, Sugar 6.3 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh, seasonal vegetables. This will ensure that your ratatouille is packed with flavor.
  • Cut the vegetables into uniform pieces. This will help them cook evenly.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan. If you do, the vegetables will steam instead of sautéing.
  • Cook the vegetables in batches if necessary. This will prevent them from becoming mushy.
  • Season the ratatouille to taste. Use a combination of salt, pepper, herbs, and spices to create a flavor that you love.
  • Serve the ratatouille hot or cold. It's delicious either way!

Conclusion:

Ratatouille is a classic French dish that is perfect for summer. It's made with fresh, seasonal vegetables and is packed with flavor. This recipe is easy to follow and can be made in under an hour. So next time you're looking for a delicious and healthy meal, give ratatouille a try!

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