Are you wondering what to serve with ratatouille? Look no further! I’ve tried several great, quick ratatouille sides.
I’ll share my favorite ideas here so that you can make delicious and hearty dishes.
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What is ratatouille?
Ratatouille is a Provence-born vegetable dish. Tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, onions, bell peppers, garlic, basil, and thyme are essential ingredients.
The veggies are slow-cooked in a saucepan on the stove or oven until soft and the flavors have blended.
Ratatouille can be a side, entrée, or pasta or rice topping. Vitamins, minerals, and fiber make it a popular vegetarian food.
What is ratatouille traditionally served with?
French ratatouille recipe can be a main entrée or a side dish. Ratatouille is usually served with these sides:
- Crusty bread
Ratatouille’s excellent sauce can be soaked up by crusty bread. I like to prepare garlic toast or focaccia with olive oil and herbs for Mediterranean flavors. French baguette slices are also an excellent choice.
- Rice
Ratatouille with rice makes for a substantial meal. Serve it over rice pilaf and liven it up with some fresh herbs.
- Fresh herbs
Garnishing and seasoning ratatouille with fresh basil or thyme is a delicious touch. You can also add chives, oregano, or tarragon.
If you need more ideas, these substitutes for basil leaves can work great in ratatouille.
- Fresh salad
Ratatouille can be easily lightened by serving it with a simple side salad made from fresh vegetables like cucumber, lettuce, tomato, and red onion. My perfect side dish is a fresh green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette.
To any dish, crisp vegetables are a wonderful way to bring excellent tastes and beautiful colors.
- Parmesan cheese
At certain restaurants, grated Parmesan cheese is used to enhance the salty and nutty flavors of ratatouille.
Ratatouille can be served with several delicious side dishes for extra flavor. These accompaniments can boost the flavor and make it a perfect dish.
What protein to serve with ratatouille?
There are various ways to pair protein with ratatouille’s rich and savory tastes. Ratatouille pairs well with these tasty proteins:
- Grilled chicken
Ratatouille goes well with grilled chicken. The delicate, juicy chicken can add protein to the vegetable-based recipe.
- Fish
Pan-seared fish is another fantastic protein choice for ratatouille. The ratatouille’s substantial tastes offset the fish’s delicate aromas.
- Lamb chops
Serve ratatouille with lamb chops for a heartier protein alternative. The ratatouille complements the lamb chops’ rich and strong tastes.
I’m leaving these options for my non-vegetarian readers. For my veggie friends, let’s move on to plant-based protein.
- Tofu
Serve tofu with ratatouille for a vegetarian or vegan protein alternative. Tofu’s firm, smooth texture and ratatouille’s thick, savory texture make a satisfying lunch.
- Tempeh
Tempeh’s nutty flavor and chewy texture balance ratatouille’s robust flavors.
- Legumes
Legumes such as lentils, black or white beans, and chickpeas (garbanzo beans) make an excellent accompaniment to ratatouille. They offer a filling protein option for a complete meal.
Here’s a link to a post where I discuss several chickpea substitutes. If you’re stuck for inspiration, check it out!
You can serve numerous proteins with ratatouille. There’s a wonderful protein source to match ratatouille’s tastes, whether you choose meat, fish, or make a vegetarian dish.
What fish to serve with ratatouille?
According to my pescatarian friends, ratatouille combines nicely with a variety of fish. Ratatouille’s rich tastes pair well with these fish:
- Halibut
This light, flaky seafood goes nicely with ratatouille. Its hard texture complements the dish’s chunky veggies, and its delicate flavor doesn’t dominate the dish’s bold ingredients.
- Cod
Another mild, flaky white fish that goes nicely with ratatouille is cod. The dish’s tastes can absorb its delicate flavor and texture, providing a well-balanced and enjoyable feast.
- Salmon
Serve salmon with ratatouille for a heartier seafood alternative. The dish’s powerful taste can be enhanced by its rich and intense flavors.
- Sea bass
The buttery flavors of sea bass go great with ratatouille. Its soft texture absorbs the dish’s ingredients for a well-balanced dinner.
Whether you want light, flaky fish or heartier, stronger fish, there’s a fantastic alternative to make your French dish a complete meal.
What goes with ratatouille for dinner?
Ratatouille is a tasty and flexible dinner main or side dish. You can try some of these options for a healthy comforting meal.
- Grilled or roasted meat
Roasted chicken, beef, or lamb are wonderful protein options for ratatouille. The dish’s rich taste might complement the meat’s flavor.
- Pasta dish
Penne or linguine can make ratatouille a hearty dinner. The pasta absorbs the dish’s savory flavors, making a tasty and balanced dinner. Pasta salad is also an incredible veggie dish.
- French stew
Serve ratatouille with a vegetable stew for a vegetarian dinner. The sweet and savory vegetable stew can complements the ratatouille’s hearty flavors.
French vegetable stew with cherry tomatoes, carrots, and earthy mushrooms is a wonderful option for a delicious side dish.
- Crusty bread or garlic toast
As noted, combining ratatouille with crusty or toast bread helps soak up the rich sauce and enhance the depth of flavor. The heartiness of bread also makes ratatouille a complete dinner.
- Quinoa or couscous
Serve ratatouille over quinoa or couscous for a lighter, hearty meal choice. These grains provide fluffy texture, protein, and a burst of flavor.
If you’re looking for even more incredible flavors, consider cooking using amaranth or a similar grain.
- Goat cheese or feta
Add a salty, creamy touch to your ratatouille by topping it with some goat cheese or feta. Ratatouille also makes a great accompaniment to brie!
Dinnertime ratatouille doesn’t get much tastier than these delicious sides. You can find anything here that fits your diet.
Frequently asked questions
For a main course, pair ratatouille with a protein-rich side. Pan-seared fish, lamb chops, tofu, and legumes including lentils, black or white beans, and chickpeas are popular options.
Yes, ratatouille can be a delicious dinner meal when paired with healthy side dishes.
Ratatouille tastes best when slowly reheated on the stove. Add fresh herbs like rosemary, oregano, thyme, or basil before serving. To absorb the sauce, serve over garlic toast or crusty bread.
Ratatouille can be served as both an appetizer or main course, depending on the occasion.
Ratatouille is a cultural dish that originated in the Provence region of France.
BOTTOM LINE: Healthy, tasty, and flexible ratatouille is a French classic. You can add some of these side dishes to make it an even more delicious dish. So next time you’re wondering what to serve with ratatouille, consider one of these alternatives.
Share your favorite side dish for ratatouille in the comments!
You can also check out my recent articles on side dishes for chow mein, the best egg roll pairings, what to serve with biryani and serving ideas for broccoli and cheese soup.
Or check out some more French inspired content, with this post on what to eat with crepes for dinner!