Before I went to France, I was going to title this post “ratatouille”. But then I went to Paris and ordered a ratatouille from Louise Cafe. It came with two perfectly poached eggs on top and I realized in that instant, that this was NOT RATATOUILLE. So this quick and easy summer vegetable sauce is just a simple side dish to go with chicken, pork, lamb and seafood, and it’s delicious. Just don’t call it ratatouille.
That’s not to say that this summer vegetable saute isn’t tasty and satisfying. It is! It’s fresh and vibrant. The vegetables are cooked just enough to be tender, but still maintain their shape and form instead of slumping into a stewy mass. Scott doesn’t like anything “mushy” especially veg, so I’ve always erred on the slightly al dente side for his tastes. But after eating Louise’s ratatouille, I realized that he’s going to have to get over his aversion, because her ratatouille was off-the-charts FABULOUS!
Ingredients for sautéed summer vegetables
- Red Bell Pepper
- Zucchini
- Yellow Squash
- Onion
- Kosher Salt
- Garlic
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- Fresh Thyme
- Fresh Rosemary
- Canned Cherry Tomatoes
- Lemon
I will be making Louise’s rendition soon, because it was absolutely swoon worthy! Until then, this is a quick and easy way to spice up the squash, zucchini and tomatoes that are coming into season now!
While this is great alongside grilled chicken or fish, it’s also good on top of pasta or tossed with orzo and parmesan for a vegetarian dinner option.
The combo of fresh herbs and garlic gives the vegetable combination a tingly quality on your tongue. Delicious and light.
Fresh lemon zest and basil added just before serving really amps up the freshness quotient on this dish. You’ll be fixing it every week this summer — especially if you have a garden!
By the way, this dish is delicious served warm, but it’s every bit as good at room temperature – a smart move for those upcoming summer swelter days!
More fresh vegetables sides you might enjoy:
- Summer Squash and Courgette Salad
- Chopped Veggie Salad with Creamy Shallot Vinaigrette
- Heirloom Tomato Salad
- Grilled Vegetable Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese
Summer Vegetable Sauté
Ingredients
- 1 red bell pepper cut into 1" pieces
- 2-3 small zucchini cut into 1" pieces
- 2 small yellow squash cut into 1" pieces
- 1 medium yellow onion large dice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/8 -1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes depending on how much heat you like
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 14 ounce can cherry tomatoes in juice or diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 lemon zested
- 1/4 cup basil julienned
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté 2-3 minutes until softened and slightly translucent. Add the red bell pepper and continue cooking another 2-3 minutes. Add the zucchini, squash and kosher salt. Stir to combine and place a tight fitting lid on the pan. Cook 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables have softened slightly. Add the can of tomatoes, the garlic, red pepper flakes, thyme, rosemary and dried basil and stir to blend. Cook an additional 8-10 minutes with the lid on the pan, stirring occasionally.
- Toss with lemon zest and fresh basil. Serve.
Only used zucchini, tomatoes, onions, and garlic. Seasoned with dill, oregano, garlic salt, and pepper. Sauteed in olive oil.
Turned out deliciously!
Hi Elainee! Love your substitutions — sometimes you just have to go with what’s on hand!
One of my favorites. So versatile and goes with anything grilled!