What To Serve With Ratatouille? 15 BEST Side Dishes

Ratatouille is a delectable vegetable stew that originated from Nice, France. It's a hearty and healthy dish that combines a variety of vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes.

The beauty of ratatouille is that it's versatile, and can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side. But what do you serve with ratatouille to make it a full, satisfying meal? Here are 15 delicious suggestions.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with ratatouille are brown rice, French onion soup, teriyaki pork chops, French bread pizza, eggplant parmesan, polenta, roasted chicken, grilled salmon, grilled halloumi, couscous, quinoa salad, garlic bread, and mashed potatoes.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Brown Rice

Starting with a simple but classic pairing - brown rice. The nutty and chewy texture of brown rice complements the soft and tender vegetables in ratatouille. Brown rice is also a fantastic source of fiber and whole grains, making this combination a nutritious and filling meal. Don't hesitate to mix the ratatouille and rice together for a delightful blend of flavors.

2. French Onion Soup

French onion soup as a side to ratatouille might sound unconventional, but the rich, savory flavors of the soup wonderfully contrast the light, herbal notes of the ratatouille. The sweetness of caramelized onions and the richness of beef broth provide a depth of flavor that elevates the entire meal.

3. Teriyaki Pork Chops

Adding a protein to your meal can turn ratatouille from a side dish into a star. Teriyaki pork chops, with their sweet and savory glaze, bring a different flavor profile that marries surprisingly well with the ratatouille. The meaty, hearty texture of the pork chops also adds a satisfying contrast to the tender vegetables.

4. French Bread Pizza

Looking to make your meal a bit more fun and casual? Try pairing your ratatouille with French bread pizza. The crispy crust and melty cheese of the pizza provide a delightful contrast to the stewed vegetables. Plus, you can even top the pizza with some ratatouille for an exciting twist.

5. Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan and ratatouille share a common ingredient – eggplant. The breaded and fried eggplant slices, smothered with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, offer a different preparation of eggplant that contrasts yet complements the stewed eggplant in the ratatouille. It's a great way to explore the versatility of this wonderful vegetable.

6. Polenta

Creamy, buttery polenta makes a fantastic partner to ratatouille. The smooth texture of the polenta is a nice contrast to the chunky vegetables, and its mild flavor allows the ratatouille to shine. Polenta is also incredibly comforting, making your meal feel like a big, warm hug.

7. Roasted Chicken

A simple roasted chicken can be a great companion to ratatouille. The chicken, seasoned with just salt and pepper, allows the complex flavors of the ratatouille to take center stage. Plus, the crispy skin and juicy meat of the chicken adds a delightful texture contrast to the dish.

8. Grilled Salmon

Grilled salmon, with its rich, oily texture and smoky flavor, pairs beautifully with ratatouille. The fish's natural fattiness is a great balance to the tangy and light ratatouille. Plus, both dishes share a certain freshness that makes them perfect for a summer meal.

9. Couscous

Couscous is a type of pasta made from semolina wheat. Its light and fluffy texture serves as a lovely base for the chunky ratatouille. Additionally, couscous is a staple in North African cuisine, making this combination a wonderful fusion of Mediterranean flavors.

10. Quinoa Salad

For a healthier side, consider a quinoa salad. Quinoa is a superfood that's packed with protein and fiber. Mixed with some fresh vegetables and a light vinaigrette, a quinoa salad can add a refreshing note to balance the rich, cooked flavors of ratatouille.

11. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a comforting side that goes well with almost any dish, and ratatouille is no exception. The crispy, buttery bread infused with aromatic garlic can be used to scoop up the ratatouille or simply enjoyed on the side.

12. Mashed Potatoes

Smooth and creamy mashed potatoes can serve as a blank canvas to highlight the flavors of ratatouille. The potatoes' mild flavor and comforting texture pair perfectly with the robust and chunky ratatouille.

13. Steak Frites

Steak Frites, a classic French dish that consists of a juicy steak accompanied by crispy fries, could be an indulgent companion to ratatouille. The hearty steak contrasts nicely with the vegetable-heavy ratatouille, while the fries can be perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.

14. Roasted Asparagus

Roasted asparagus, with its slight crunch and smoky flavor, can be a wonderful addition to a meal featuring ratatouille. Its fresh, green taste complements the more complex flavors of the ratatouille, adding a different dimension to the meal.

15. Grilled Halloumi

Finally, grilled halloumi, a type of cheese that retains its shape when heated, could be a unique side dish to serve with ratatouille. The halloumi's salty taste and chewy texture contrast nicely with the tender, flavorful vegetables in the ratatouille.

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