| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 550 | 22g | 10g | 74g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 18g | 11g | 20g | 1.2g |
Why I Love British Roasted Ratatouille and Goat Cheese Sandwich
The Roasted Ratatouille and Goat Cheese Sandwich invariably holds a special place in my heart. There’s simply something magical about the harmonious marriage of roasted vegetables and creamy goat cheese, cushioned between the airy crumb of warm ciabatta. The flavorful medley is almost symphonic, the culinary equivalent of an orchestra intertwining and producing a melody nothing short of extraordinary.
A Culinary Tribute
I must tip my chef’s hat to the inimitable Jamie Oliver, whose inspiring and creative recipes often influence my own. While there might not be a direct correlation to any of his particular dishes, the general ethos and dedication to quality, rustic food expresses itself within this roasted ratatouille sandwich.
Why This Recipe is Special
Though the traditional ratatouille is a rustic staple of the Provençal region in France, my Louisiana heritage comes into play as I am morphing it into a deliciously humble sandwich. This is where my past meets my present, where my French roots intertwine with the Southern art of comfort food. It’s far from the ubiquitous beignets and éclairs I am known for, yet it exudes a comparable air of comfort, love, and warmth.
The simple joy of assembling this humble meal, the crunch of the crusty ciabatta echoing in the kitchen, the aroma of vegetables roasted with thyme and basil filling the room, the tangy creaminess of goat cheese as a perfect foil, is a sensory journey that elevates this seemingly ordinary dish into the realm of extraordinary.
Pairing Potential
The Roasted Ratatouille and Goat Cheese Sandwich stands proud on its own, of course, yet it pairs wonderfully with classic vegetable soups, sharp salads or even your beloved pasta dishes. Essentially, if you’re interested in creating a homely meal bursting with vibrant flavors, this recipe certainly won’t disappoint.
Leave the table satisfied, your palates gratified, and your hearts warmed with this flavorful, humble dish. Bon Appétit from this Louisiana native to you!
What You’ll Need
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 3 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 2 red bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 yellow bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium onions, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbs dried basil
- 2 tbs dried thyme
- 6 large ciabatta rolls, split in half
- 1 log (8 ounces) of goat cheese, softened
- 12 fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Method
Step One
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and onions on two large baking sheets. Sprinkle the minced garlic over all the vegetables.
Step Two
Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables, then season with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle the dried basil and thyme evenly over all the vegetables. Toss well to ensure all vegetables are coated, and then spread them out in an even single layer.
Step Three
Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly browned. Turn the vegetables once during roasting to ensure they cook evenly.
Step Four
While the vegetables roast, slice the ciabatta rolls in half horizontally, and spread the insides with the softened goat cheese. Place the ciabatta halves, cheese side up, on a baking sheet and set aside.
Step Five
When the vegetables are done, remove them from the oven and set aside. Turn the oven broiler on and broil the bread for about 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the edges of the bread are toasted. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Step Six
To assemble the sandwiches, distribute the roasted vegetables evenly among the ciabatta bottoms. Place the toasted ciabatta tops on the sandwiches. Garnish each sandwich with two fresh basil leaves.
Step Seven
Serve the sandwiches immediately. Enjoy your Roasted Ratatouille and Goat Cheese Sandwich.
