Cast Iron Ratatouille
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For the past month or so, I’ve been visiting the farmer’s market once a week to stock up on my fruits and veggies. They’re a lot fresher than store bought and definitely last a lot longer. I’ve been trying new recipes and they’ve all come out pretty good so far. I even threw an eggplant on the grill the other day and it was delicious!
I had extra eggplants and quite a few veggies left even though the week was almost over, so I made cast iron ratatouille. No, I’m not talking about the famous cartoon. It’s a French dish that is loaded with all kinds of veggies.
what happens when you take this timeless Provencal dish and prepare it in a cast iron skillet? Enter cast iron ratatouille—a delightful twist on a beloved favorite.
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A Feast for the Senses
Ratatouille is a symphony of flavors and textures, known for its medley of seasonal vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, simmered in a fragrant tomato sauce. Preparing it in a cast iron skillet elevates this culinary masterpiece. The even heat distribution and retention of cast iron ensure that each vegetable is cooked to perfection, preserving its vibrant color and enhancing its natural sweetness.
Versatile and Wholesome Cast Iron Ratatouille
One of the key advantages of cast iron ratatouille is its versatility. This dish can be enjoyed in various ways:
- Side dish, complementing a range of main courses.
- Main course itself, especially when served with a slice of crusty bread or a dollop of creamy goat cheese.
- Topping for pasta, rice, or quinoa, creating a hearty and wholesome meal.
- A delightful addition to a charcuterie board, offering a burst of color and flavor.
A Visual Feast
The charm of cast iron ratatouille extends beyond its taste. Its visual appeal is equally captivating, with the vibrant colors of the vegetables creating a stunning mosaic in the skillet. This makes it a beautiful addition to any table, perfect for impressing guests or simply adding a touch of elegance to your weekday dinner.
Cast iron ratatouille is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of the culinary arts, a testament to the beauty of simplicity, and a flavorful journey through the fields of Provence.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or an enthusiastic home cook, this dish is an opportunity to showcase the vibrant bounty of summer vegetables and the magic of cast iron cooking. So, embrace the tradition and innovation that cast iron ratatouille brings to your kitchen, and let it delight your taste buds and elevate your dining experience.
I just had to make it because of all the buzz that was around it when the cartoon came out. Also, if I had veggies left at the end of the week, then I would have to skip my weekly trip to the farmer’s market and I didn’t want to do that. I needed to get some more veggies to try out more tasty recipes.
Ratatouille
Ingredients
- 2 Large Zucchini
- 2 Large Yellow Squash
- 2 Large Eggplant
- 1 Large Yellow Onion
- 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
- ½ Cup Tomato Paste
- 1 Tbsp. Crushed Garlic
- 1 Tsp. Garlic Powder
- ½ Tsp. Smoked Paprika
- ¼ Tsp. Black Pepper
- Optional: 1 Cup Shredded Parmesan
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°. Slice veggies between ¼ to ½ inch thick. Set aside. In a cast iron skillet over medium heat, brown onion slices in olive oil.
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Mix in tomato paste and garlic. Layer veggies in an alternating pattern, in the dish.
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Sprinkle veggies with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and pepper.
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Cover lightly with parchment paper. Bake for 35-45 minutes. Allow to slightly cool before serving.
What are some of your favorites to pick up at your local market?
Your ratatouille looks really good but I don’t know if I want to try the eggplant. Maybe that is what I will buy when our Farmer’s Market comes back in season, an eggplant just to try since I have never. I need to make a list of things to try that are true possibilities for me.
Oh my, This looks really delicious and healthy. I would love to try making this, It’s gonna be a blast for sure.
Wow, this looks so delightful. This my kind of my weekend treat, the kids will surely love this. I should try making this.
Wow this dish looks amazing, really inviting. Thank you for sharing the recipe I have saved it to try myself! 🙂
I’ve been obsessed with ratatouille since the Disney film came out. Such a simple dish that is honestly gorgeous. Love your cast iron method. Can’t wait to try this!
This is a great way to cook ratatouille. It is such a great recipe.
I love the colors and how healthy this dish is. I’m not partial to mushrooms but I think this dish just looks pretty. I want to dig in!
This looks so good! I’m vegetarian so I’m always on the lookout for new recipes to try. I’ll definitely be saving this and giving it a try for myself.
Your recipe for ratatouille looks easy enough to follow. I love the assorted vegetables. One serving of this will give me the fiber I need to maintain a healthy digestive system!
My daughter is obsessed with ratatouille from the movie, of course! She is going to love making your simple recipe!
I’ll be trying this one out with the family this week. I love simple recipes like this one and while I’m not opposed to meat I do love a good veggie meal. Thanks!