Harvest Season Grilled Ratatouille

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Ratatouille is a classic French vegetable dish known for its vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients. Cooking ratatouille on the Weber grill adds a delightful smoky twist to this traditional recipe, enhancing the natural sweetness of the vegetables through caramelization. Here’s how to prepare a delicious grilled ratatouille, perfect as a side dish or a vegetarian main.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 2 zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 2 yellow squash, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 2 red bell peppers, seeded and quartered
• 1 large onion, cut into rounds
• 3 tomatoes, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

Equipment:

• Weber grill
• Brush for oiling

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Grill:

   • Hardwood charcoal
     

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • In a large bowl, toss the eggplant, zucchinis, yellow squashes, red bell peppers, onion, and tomatoes with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper until well coated.

3. Grill the Vegetables:

   • Place the vegetables on metal skewers or soaked bamboo ones
     
   • Grill the vegetables for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are tender and have a nice char.

4. Assemble the Ratatouille:

   • As vegetables finish grilling, start layering them attractively in a large serving dish. You can stack them in rows or in a spiral pattern starting from the outer edge to the center.

5. Serve:

   • Once all the vegetables are grilled and assembled, sprinkle the chopped basil over the top for a fresh burst of flavor.
   • Serve warm or at room temperature.

Conclusion:

This is perfect for a healthy, smoky side dish or a light main course. Prepared well, this recipe brings out the robust flavors of summer vegetables. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking to enjoy classic French cuisine with a modern twist. Perfect for your next outdoor gathering or a family dinner.