18 Ratatouille Recipe From Southern Living Prepare To Be Amazed!
Published on: Apr 4, 2024
For many food enthusiasts, the mention of Ratatouille brings to mind the beautiful animated movie about a rat who aspires to be a chef. However, this classic French dish is more than just a movie inspiration, it is a delicious and hearty vegetable stew that originated in the Provence region of France. And while there are many variations of this dish, we will be sharing a Ratatouille recipe from Southern Living that is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
If you're craving a taste of the South, there's nothing quite like a warm, buttery slice of Southern cornbread. Made with a combination of cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk, this classic dish is a staple in many Southern households. But why settle for plain cornbread when you can take it up a notch with some creative additions? Here are 20 delicious beer can chicken recipes that will have you drooling and reaching for seconds.
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Southern Lemon Pound Cake (From Scratch)
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Shortening, Granulated Sugar, Eggs
What's better than a classic Southern pound cake? A lemon pound cake made from scratch, of course! This recipe takes the traditional pound cake and adds a burst of lemon flavor for a refreshing twist. With a moist and dense texture, this cake is perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy night in. And the best part? It pairs perfectly with a cold beer can chicken.
In the South, smothered chicken is a beloved comfort food that never goes out of style. This dish features tender chicken smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy, made with onions, garlic, and a touch of cream. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that will warm your soul and your stomach. And when paired with a crispy beer can chicken, it's a match made in heaven.
No Southern meal is complete without a side of collard greens. This classic dish is made with slow-cooked collard greens, ham hocks, and a splash of vinegar for a tangy kick. It's a staple at any Southern gathering and the perfect accompaniment to a juicy beer can chicken.
Thanksgiving wouldn't be the same without a serving of Southern cornbread dressing. This savory dish is a staple on holiday tables and is made with crumbled cornbread, onions, herbs, and spices. It's the perfect complement to a tender and flavorful beer can chicken.
Oxtails may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Southern cuisine, but trust us, this dish is a must-try. Slow-cooked in a rich and savory gravy, oxtails become melt-in-your-mouth tender and full of flavor. And when served alongside a perfectly seasoned beer can chicken, it's a match made in Southern food heaven.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
A true Southern meal is never complete without a batch of homemade biscuits. This classic recipe creates buttery and flaky biscuits that are perfect for sopping up all the delicious juices from a beer can chicken. Whether you smother them in gravy or top them with a slice of chicken, these biscuits are sure to be a hit.
When it comes to mac and cheese, no one does it quite like the South. This recipe takes the classic comfort food to a whole new level with a creamy and cheesy sauce made with a combination of cheddar and Gruyere. It's the perfect side dish for a beer can chicken dinner.
Yes, we're giving you two mac and cheese recipes because we just couldn't choose between them. This version takes a Southern twist with the addition of cooked bacon and a crispy breadcrumb topping. It's the ultimate indulgence and pairs perfectly with a flavorful beer can chicken.
If you're looking for a sweet treat to follow your beer can chicken dinner, look no further than these Southern pecan pie bars. Made with a buttery shortbread crust and a rich and gooey pecan filling, these bars are easy to make and impossible to resist.
When peaches are in season, there's nothing quite like a warm and delicious peach cobbler. This recipe features juicy peaches topped with a buttery and crumbly topping for the ultimate Southern dessert. And when served with a side of beer can chicken, it's a match made in Southern food heaven.
If you're looking for a traditional and straightforward collard greens recipe, this one's for you. With just a few simple ingredients, this dish is easy to make and full of classic Southern flavor. And when paired with a beer can chicken, it's a meal that will transport you straight to the South.
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Spread it on crackers, use it as a dip for veggies, or add it to sandwiches for a flavorful kick. This recipe features a creamy and cheesy blend of cheddar, mayo, and pimentos that pairs perfectly with a juicy beer can chicken.
Cabbage may not be the most glamorous vegetable, but when cooked Southern-style, it becomes a delicious and hearty side dish. This recipe features cooked cabbage seasoned with bacon, onions, and a touch of vinegar for a tangy twist. Serve it alongside a flavorful beer can chicken for a well-rounded meal.
We couldn't have a list of Southern recipes without including another cornbread option. This recipe features a classic and simple cornbread made with a combination of cornmeal and flour. It's the perfect side dish for a beer can chicken dinner and can also be used to make a delicious stuffing.
Sausage gravy is a staple in many Southern households and for a good reason. This rich and flavorful gravy is made with a creamy roux and crumbled sausage for a hearty and satisfying meal. Serve it over biscuits or alongside a juicy beer can chicken for a delicious and comforting dinner.
Hush puppies are a quintessential Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. These deep-fried cornmeal balls are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, making them the perfect vessel for sopping up all the flavors from your chicken dinner.
Southern squash casserole is a classic dish that's perfect for using up those summer squash that seem to multiply overnight. This recipe features a creamy and cheesy casserole topped with a buttery cracker crust. It's the perfect side dish for a beer can chicken dinner.
Forget canned corn, this Southern fried corn is where it's at. Fresh corn is cut off the cob and cooked in a creamy and flavorful sauce made with bacon, onions, and cream. It's a delicious and unique way to enjoy corn and pairs perfectly with a beer can chicken.
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Southern Buttermilk Biscuits from Scratch (fluffy)
Main Ingredients: Cake Flour, All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking
Last but certainly not least, we have another biscuit recipe because we just can't get enough. This version features tall and fluffy biscuits that are perfect for slathering with butter and jam or using to make mini beer can chicken sandwiches. They're a must-try for any Southern food lover.
The Perfect Blend of Vegetables
What sets this Ratatouille recipe apart?
While there are many variations of Ratatouille, the Southern Living recipe stands out for its perfect blend of vegetables. It calls for eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, and tomatoes, all of which are staples in Southern cooking. The combination of these vegetables creates a beautiful medley of colors and flavors in the dish, making it a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
Why choose locally-grown produce?
In addition to its impeccable taste, using locally-grown produce for this recipe adds another layer of freshness and authenticity. Eggplants, zucchinis, and yellow squash are all in season during the summer months, making this the perfect dish to enjoy during those hot and sunny days. Using fresh and local vegetables also supports your community's farmers and ensures that you are using the best quality ingredients in your cooking.
Aromatic Herbs and Spices
The secret to a flavorful Ratatouille
Aside from the vegetables, the key to a delicious Ratatouille is the combination of aromatic herbs and spices. The Southern Living recipe calls for garlic, thyme, and rosemary, which add depth and complexity to the dish. The garlic adds a subtle sharpness, while the thyme and rosemary bring a fragrant earthiness to the Ratatouille. These herbs not only enhance the flavor of the vegetables but also add a beautiful aroma to your kitchen while cooking.
Adding a touch of Southern flair
As we are using a recipe from Southern Living, it only makes sense to add a touch of Southern flair to our Ratatouille. The recipe suggests adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat, which is a common addition in Southern cooking. This small addition adds a bit of spice and rounds out the flavors of the dish.
In Conclusion
This Ratatouille recipe from Southern Living is the perfect introduction to this classic French dish. With its perfect blend of vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a touch of Southern flair, it is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, gather your fresh and local produce, grab your herbs and spices, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and hearty Ratatouille that will transport you to the Provence region of France with every bite.
