| Q: So, what exactly is ratatouille? | | | | French, but there seems to be some disagreement in |
| A: Made up of all sorts of vegetables, ratatouille is | | | | the name's actual etymology. The most reliable source |
| most comparable to a vegetable stew. A versatile dish | | | | to speak on the matter, Merriam Webster Dictionary, |
| in its own right: it can be served hot, cold, or even | | | | claims the word is a "blend of ratouiller, to disturb, |
| lukewarm. Call it an appetizer, call it your main course, | | | | shake, and tatouiller, to stir." Most accept that the word |
| whatever you want to call it, it's a classic French dish, | | | | touiller, to stir, influences the second component, but the |
| namely from the Provencal region. Some serve it with | | | | Wikipedia entry for ratatouille says that "rata" was |
| meat and potatoes, others on a bed of rice. Ratatouille | | | | French army slang for chunky stew. Clifford Wright |
| bears no burden of restrictions. And for all you leftover | | | | agrees! |
| lovers, many contend that ratatouille actually tastes | | | | Q: When did the idea come about? |
| better the day after it is cooked. Chocolate and | | | | A: The first muttering of the word ratatouille happened |
| Zucchini even calls it an "ideal make-ahead dish." So try | | | | in 19th century Provence, France. If you find out who |
| it out! | | | | came up with it, let me know! |
| Q: Ok, fine, then how do I prepare it? | | | | Q: What other interesting facts can you tell me about |
| A: Its main ingredients are usually tomatoes, aubergines | | | | Ratatouille? |
| (French for eggplants), courgettes (French for | | | | A: Well, you might be excited to know (if you're |
| zucchinis), onions, garlic, and some variety of bell | | | | reading this during the summer) that ratatouille is often |
| peppers. Some cook it with meat, but many French | | | | prepared during or at the end of the summer, as most |
| chefs note that it is important to prepare all of the | | | | of its vegetable components are in season then. That |
| vegetables separately before adding them to the | | | | might also be part of the reasoning behind the release |
| aggregate stew. French chef Phillipe Aubin will back | | | | date of the Disney movie. This recipe will prove it: |
| me up on that, but he also claims that aubergines | | | | summer ratatouille. Also, it was originally considered a |
| (eggplants if you recall) are not used in the "authentic | | | | poor farmer's dish, according to Aubin (referenced |
| Ratatouille Nicoise." But after you've decided which | | | | earlier), as it requires no particularly expensive |
| vegetables you plan to use and have prepared them, | | | | ingredients. |
| you sauté them all together in an olive oil with | | | | I hope I answered all your questions, if you have any |
| some salt, pepper, and a bay leaf for extra flavor. Fine | | | | more, feel free to let me know and I'll do my best to |
| Cooking writers will hit you over the head if you | | | | find out! |
| simmer or boil the vegetables together. Ratatouille | | | | Oh, and don't forget to try out Kitchen Garden |
| should not be mushy! | | | | Ratatouille for a recipe more unique in the way that it |
| Q: Where did the name come from? | | | | incorporates cheesy polenta into the mix. |
| A: We have established that the name is clearly | | | | |