What Meat to Serve with Ratatouille
Wondering what meat to serve with ratatouille? We’ve got you covered with this guide to the best meat dishes to eat with the classic French vegetable stew.
Whether you’re looking for something simple to eat with Ratatouille as part of a family dinner, or something a little more special, we’ve hand-picked a selection of dairy-free recipes that will suit any occasion.
Ratatouille is a savory vegetable stew from the south of France made with summer vegetables and a rich tomato sauce. Tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, courgette (zucchini), aubergine (egglant) and fresh herbs go together to create great depth of flavor and a versatile dish that is amazing on any dinner table.
Ratatouille can be enjoyed as a vegetarian dish, or paired with meat or fish.
Why You’ll Love Ratatouille
- Quick to make
- Simple ingredients
- Great flavor
- Can be either a main dish or a side
- Serve as a simple meal or as part of a fancy dinner
This classic French dish originated in the 18th century in Provence, a southern region of France, and over the years has become widely loved for its Mediterranean flavors and simplicity. Made famous by the Disney movie classic ‘Ratatouille’, it is now popular the world over.
How to Make Ratatouille
Our Instant Pot Ratatouille Recipe only takes a few minutes to prep and is quick to cook in the Instant Pot. Enjoy the beautifully vibrant, flavorful, and healthy French classic with this easy recipe.
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What Sides to Serve with Ratatouille
Ratatouille can be eaten as a main course, or as part of another meal as a side. Although the recipe originated in Provence, today each region and home in France has its own favourite sides to pair with ratatouille.
Some examples include:
- pasta: Ratatouille can be served over pasta such as penne or fusilli for a quick and satisfying meal.
- crusty bread: Soak up the flavorful juices of Ratatouille with French baguette or a rustic country loaf.
- polenta: Creamy polenta is an Italian dish made with ground corn. It is a lovely smooth base for ratatouille. Be sure to use a vegan recipe if you are dairy free!
- rice: Serve with either simple white rice or brown rice, or a more flavorful rice pilaf.
- potato: Mashed or roasted potatoes are a perfect side dish for Ratatouille.
- eggs: A poached or fried egg turns Ratatouille into a delicious Shakshuka-style breakfast.
- meat or fish: Whether you love pork chops, a juicy steak or another tasty meat or fish dish, we’ve got a great selection to choose from below.
What Meat to Serve with Ratatouille
Chicken
One of the best ways to enjoy Ratatouille is with chicken. Simple chicken recipes let the rich tomato sauce and fresh herbs do all the talking. The tender, juicy chicken contrasts beautifully with the cooked vegetables.
Lamb
Bring the feel of the french countryside to your dining table with a lamb dish. Lamb chops or a leg of lamb compliment ratatouille really well and will definitely wow your guests!
Beef
Beef and Ratatouille create rich, hearty flavors that work perfectly together. Try slow cooker beef for warming comfort food or opt for a juicy steak for a more luxurious meal.
Pork
Pork is such a versatile meat, which is one of the reasons it’s an excellent choice for pairing with Ratatouille. Whether you like grilled sausages, pork chops or juicy tenderloin, any of these recipes will be a great flavor match for the classic french dish.
Duck
Duck with crispy skin and tender meat is something really special. It’s a great alternative to chicken and is sure to impress your guests. The beauty of Ratatouille is that it is not simply ‘a peasant dish’, but can be lifted to luxury with game meat such as duck.
Fish
Fish such as cod, salmon, trout and sea bass are delicious served with Ratatouille. The light and flakey texture and fresh flavors of the fish compliment the rich vegetable flavors of the stew, creating the perfect dish. Fish is a lighter and more delicate option than some of the more hearty meats.
Try this easy ratatouille recipe.
Notes for Dairy Free Diets
We have endeavoured to include only either fully Dairy Free recipes, or those with dairy free options, in this post. However, we are not responsible for any content outside of our website and cannot guarantee that the recipes mentioned in this post are or will remain dairy free. You are responsible for checking that any recipes used or foods consumed by you are suitable for your dietary needs. Please refer to our Disclaimer and Terms and Conditions for more information.
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