Grilled Ratatouille Pasta Salad Recipe
This ratatouille dish is the perfect meal to make if you've just been to the garden or farmers' market. Be sure to keep an eye on the veggies while grilling so they don't burn! If any of them start cooking too quickly, move them to a cooler spot on the grill. Grilled ratatouille might take a bit of time, but it's always more fun to cook in the summertime.
What is Ratatouille?
Ratatouille is a French dish from Nice. It includes vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Garlic, onions, and herbs make it even tastier. Cook the ingredients until they are soft and creamy. Ratatouille tastes great with its fresh veggies and herbs.
You can eat it hot or cold! It's a great way to use up lots of summer vegetables and it's both tasty and healthy!
Ratatouille is not only famous for its culinary status but also for the popular animated movie by Pixar with the same name. In the movie, a rat named Remy aspires to become a chef and attempts to make his dream come true by cooking Ratatouille.
INGREDIENTS OF GRILLED RATATOUILLE
- Canola oil, for the grill
- 12 oz. short pasta
- 2 small zucchini, halved lengthwise
- 1 small eggplant, sliced lengthwise
- 1 red bell pepper, halved and seeded
- 1 yellow bell pepper, halved and seeded
- 1 red onion, cut into rounds
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 1 c. basil, roughly chopped
- 1 oz. Parmesan, grated (about 1/4 cup)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR GRILLED RATATOUILLE
- Preheat the grill to medium-high temperature. Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions then remove from heat. Next, apply a thin layer of canola oil evenly across the grates using a paper towel or tongs before placing food on the grill.
- In a large bowl, mix together zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, onion and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Grill for 6-8 minutes until vegetables are tender but not overcooked.
- Remove from the grill and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the pasta, vinegar, and grilled vegetables in a large bowl.
- Add more olive oil to the mixture if it appears dry. Stir in basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips for making Ratatouille
Here are some tips for making a delicious Ratatouille:
- Fresh Ingredients: The key to a flavorful ratatouille is using fresh, high-quality vegetables.
- Cook Separately: To maintain the distinct flavor and texture of each vegetable, cook them separately before combining.
- Slow Cook: Allow the dish to cook slowly so that the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Seasoning: Make sure to skimp on the herbs. Basil, thyme, and rosemary add depth to the dish. Also, ensure you season well with salt and pepper.
- Olive Oil: Be generous with olive oil as it adds richness to the dish.
- Patience: Ratatouille tastes better when allowed to sit for a while before serving. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
Side dishes best paired with Ratatouille
Being a hearty and flavorful dish, it pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some options:
- Bread: A crusty French baguette or garlic bread is a classic pairing. The bread can be used to mop up the delicious juices of the Ratatouille.
- Pasta: A simple pasta, like spaghetti aglio e olio or even a light lemon pasta, can complement the rich flavors of Ratatouille.
- Risotto: A creamy risotto can provide a nice contrast to the chunky vegetables in Ratatouille.
- Grains: Quinoa or brown rice can serve as a wholesome, fiber-rich side.
- Salads: A fresh green salad or a tangy white bean salad can add a refreshing element to the meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts or balsamic glazed carrots can add an extra serving of veggies.
- Protein: If using Ratatouille as a side dish, it pairs well with grilled or roasted meats like chicken, pork, or fish.
Recommended wines to pair with Ratatouille
Pairing wine with Ratatouille can depend on whether it's served as a main dish or a side, and the specific recipe used. However, here are some general recommendations based on various sources:
- Red Wines: A lighter-style red with modest tannins and enough acidity is recommended. An Italian Chianti or a Rioja from Spain could be a good match.
- Syrah (Shiraz): This type of wine, whether from California, France, Argentina or Australia, is often recommended due to its full-bodied nature and ability to pair well with intense flavors.
- Dry White Wines: An herbal, grassy Sauvignon Blanc or a dry white from the southern Rhône region, Languedoc-Roussillon, could also pair well, as they won't overpower the food.
- Southern French Reds: Wines from the southern Rhône region or Languedoc-Roussillon are often recommended due to their fruity and alcohol content, which pairs well with the herby flavors of Ratatouille.
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