Recipes to Rival: Ratatouille

Once again, I have found myself joining another challenge group. And I am also very excited to participate in this one. Its a once a month challenge similar to the Daring Bakers. The big difference is that this is a savory based challenge. I think the mission statement that Lori of Lipsmacking Goodness and Temperance of High on the Hog, the creators of this new group, expresses the purpose and goal of the group wonderfully (well...that is its purpose, is it not? lol).

To work together as a group or individually to create a recipe that will increase our repertoire of cooking skills. To lend support and guidance as needed to other members of the club. Last but not least, to enjoy the whole experience.

Like I mentioned in my first post for Barefoot Bloggers, I am better at baking than 'normal' cooking (or rather, I have more experience baking) so I am looking for any opportunity to expand my overall cooking techniques and abilities especially in an environment where others are doing the same.

Our first challenge for Recipes to Rival was Ratatouille. Because I have never had the dish nor have I seen the movie, I wasn't familiar with the recipe at all. Once I read through it for the first time, I was very relieved. It didn't appear very difficult. The biggest challenge was going to be slicing vegetables 1/16th of an inch.

A size I am pretty sure I failed to achieve. I considered getting out my ruler to measure the exact measurement but I thought that would be a little too...I don't know...anal for me. So instead I ended up with slices of vegetables that were roughly 1/16th but some were way larger and some were practically paper thin. My fingers did manage to remain intact so I was pretty happy with how it went. ;)

After all of the veggies were readied for cooking, I got started on the piperade which is a mixture of roasted peppers, tomatoes, and onions. Many of my fellow participants compared it to a salsa. It was definitely a mixture that would be very tasty on anything from corn chips to a topping for enchiladas or such.

I misread the directions and almost missed that the vegetables needed to bake for 2 hours. I was preparing this later in the day but I had enough time that I wouldn't be eating dinner at midnight at least! I was very happy with my finished dish. Though it was just simple vegetables baked until very tender, the overall flavors was just delicious. I was particularly happy with the vinaigrette that was poured over the cooked vegetables. The balsamic vinegar in the vinaigrette was so tasty. Now that I know how delicious and easy Ratatouille is, it will definitely be on my make again list!

Many in the group served this as a side dish but I felt it was very good its own as a main dish. It was a perfect lunch the next day at work (though all of the guys in my office couldn't believe I was just eating veggies! silly boys!).

For the recipe, please go here. Please check out the other new members to see more delicious Ratatouille!