Ratatouille Salad

Ratatouille Salad Recipe from Jordan | Eggplant, Zucchini, Bell Pepper, Feta

Region / culture: Jordan | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Ratatouille Salad is a delicious and colorful dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or as a light and healthy meal. This recipe combines grilled vegetables with tangy feta cheese for a flavorful and satisfying dish.

History

Ratatouille is a traditional French dish that originated in the Provence region. It is typically made with a variety of vegetables, including eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes. This salad version of ratatouille puts a modern twist on the classic dish by grilling the vegetables and serving them with feta cheese.

Ingredients

1 (12 to 14 oz (397 g)) eggplant, cut into 0.5-inch thick rounds
1 zucchini, quartered lengthwise
1 red bell pepper, cut lengthwise into 6 strips
1 medium onion, cut into 0.5-inch thick rounds
3 tbsp garlic-flavored olive oil
2 to 3 tsp balsamic vinegar
0.67 cup crumbled feta cheese

How to prepare

Place eggplant, zucchini, red bell pepper, and onion on a baking sheet.
Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper; turn to coat.
Grill the vegetables over medium-high heat until tender and tinged with brown, turning frequently. This should take about 6 minutes for the eggplant and zucchini, and about 10 minutes for the red bell pepper and onion.
Transfer the grilled vegetables to a serving platter and sprinkle the top with cheese.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or asparagus. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or mozzarella.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that the vegetables are cooked evenly, make sure to cut them into uniform sizes before grilling. You can also marinate the vegetables in olive oil and balsamic vinegar before grilling to add extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Ratatouille Salad can be served as a side dish or as a main course. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the vegetables adds a smoky flavor to the dish and helps to caramelize the natural sugars in the vegetables.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have feta cheese, you can use goat cheese or Parmesan cheese as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can grill the vegetables ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving. Store the grilled vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the grilled vegetables on a platter and sprinkle the feta cheese on top for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Ratatouille Salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ratatouille Salad contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Ratatouille Salad contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Ratatouille Salad contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Ratatouille Salad contains approximately 7 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Ratatouille Salad is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (feta cheese) and is not suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Ratatouille Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for a light and healthy meal.

Summary

Ratatouille Salad is a flavorful and healthy dish that is perfect for summer meals. Grilled vegetables are topped with tangy feta cheese for a delicious and satisfying dish.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Ratatouille Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was wandering through a bustling farmer's market, soaking in the vibrant colors and aromas of fresh produce. As I meandered through the stalls, I came across a charming little stand run by an elderly French woman.

She had a twinkle in her eye and a warm smile on her face as she expertly chopped and diced vegetables with precision. Curious, I approached her stand and struck up a conversation. She told me that she was preparing a traditional French dish called Ratatouille Salad, a colorful medley of summer vegetables bursting with flavor.

Intrigued, I asked her to share her recipe with me. She chuckled and said that it was a family secret passed down through generations. But after some convincing, she agreed to share it with me, on one condition - that I promise to cherish and continue the tradition of making this dish for my loved ones.

I eagerly agreed, and she began to dictate the ingredients and steps to me. As I scribbled down notes on a crumpled piece of paper, she shared the story behind the recipe. She explained that Ratatouille Salad originated in the Provence region of France, where it was traditionally made with an assortment of fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and onions.

She emphasized the importance of using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients, as they would elevate the dish to new heights. She also stressed the importance of patience and attention to detail in the preparation process, as each vegetable needed to be cooked to perfection to achieve the desired flavor and texture.

After she finished dictating the recipe, she handed me a small jar of her homemade herb-infused olive oil, which she said was the key to making the Ratatouille Salad truly exceptional. She bid me farewell with a warm hug and a parting piece of advice - to cook with love and passion, as it would infuse the dish with a special magic that would captivate all who tasted it.

I left the farmer's market that day feeling inspired and eager to try out the recipe for Ratatouille Salad. As soon as I got home, I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my kitchen, following the instructions and techniques that the French woman had shared with me.

The aroma of simmering vegetables and fragrant herbs filled the air, transporting me to the sun-drenched fields of Provence. I could feel the love and care that had gone into crafting this dish, and I knew that it would become a cherished favorite among my family and friends.

As I plated the Ratatouille Salad and garnished it with a drizzle of the herb-infused olive oil, I marveled at how a chance encounter at a farmer's market had led me to discover a culinary gem that would become a staple in my repertoire. I couldn't wait to share this recipe with my loved ones and pass on the tradition that had been entrusted to me.

And so, from that day forward, Ratatouille Salad became a beloved dish in my household, a symbol of the rich tapestry of flavors and memories that can be woven through the simple act of cooking. Each time I prepare it, I feel a connection to the French woman who had so generously shared her family recipe with me, and I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting bonds.

As I sit down to enjoy a heaping bowl of Ratatouille Salad with my loved ones, I am filled with gratitude for the serendipitous moment that led me to discover this culinary treasure. And as we savor each mouthful of vegetables cooked to perfection, I know that the spirit of the French woman and her cherished recipe will live on in my kitchen for generations to come. Bon appétit!