Heard of ratatouille? Try this French dish with a twist
What's the story
Ratatouille, the classic French dish, has always been a star in its own right, with its vibrant colors and rich flavors. Traditionally prepared with tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, this vegetable stew is both healthy and hearty. But, contemporary cooks are always looking for ways to add a modern twist. We have compiled five unique ways to reinvent ratatouille, making it even more versatile and appealing to modern palates.
Spiralize
Spiralized vegetable ratatouille
A contemporary spin on ratatouille utilizes a spiralizer to transform zucchini, carrots, and sweet potatoes into thin, noodle-like strands. These veggie noodles are then gently sauteed with classic herbs such as thyme and basil, before being combined with a tomato-based sauce. This adaptation not only introduces a playful texture, but also enhances the dish's attractiveness to individuals seeking low-carbohydrate options.
Tart it up
Roasted ratatouille tart
Making ratatouille into a tart adds a touch of sophistication to the humble dish. By arranging thinly sliced vegetables on a layer of puff pastry spread with pesto or tapenade, then baking until golden brown, you get a stunning appetizer or main course that tastes as good as it looks. The flaky crust provides a nice contrast to the tender veggies.
Salad days
Deconstructed ratatouille salad
On those hot days when you want something a bit lighter, breaking ratatouille down into a salad is a great way to go. Grilled slices of eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers are served over fresh greens like arugula or spinach. A drizzle of balsamic reduction adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that perfectly complements the other elements.
Stuff it
Ratatouille stuffed bell peppers
Inspired by stuffed peppers recipes worldwide, this version fills halved bell peppers with a medley of traditional ratatouille vegetables and quinoa or couscous for extra heartiness. Baked with a cheese topping until tender, it results in a comforting dish that brings together the familiar flavors of ratatouille in a completely new way.
Smoke signals
Smoky chipotle ratatouille
Infusing ratatouille with smoky flavors adds a delicious twist, transforming the familiar into the extraordinary. Tossing in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika during cooking imparts a deep smokiness to the vegetables, complementing their natural sweetness. Serve this smoky ratatouille as a unique side dish, or over your favorite grains for a satisfying main course.