Ratatouille Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Food

RATATOUILLE SANDWICH

Steps:

• For the ratatouille: Fit a baking sheet with a rack. Line an 8 1/2-by-4-inch loaf pan with a sheet of aluminum foil that is as wide as the pan and about 12 inches long, making a cradle for easier removal of the ratatouille loaf.
• Slice the eggplant lengthwise into 1-inch-thick planks. Slice each plank lengthwise in half again. Put the eggplant, zucchini and squash on the rack in a single layer. Generously salt both sides of the vegetables and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out the moisture, then pat dry with paper towels.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• To a small bowl, add the olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic and salt and cracked black pepper to taste and whisk until blended.
• Assemble the vegetables in layers of each type in the loaf pan with the skins facing towards the walls of the pan: yellow squash, red pepper, eggplant, onion and zucchini, brushing each layer with the herb-oil mixture and sprinkling with 1 teaspoon of cheese. Press firmly to form a tight loaf while layering. Repeat until the vegetables reach about 1/2 inch from the top of the loaf pan. Top with the tomato rounds and sprinkle with the remainder of the Parmesan and some salt.
• Put the loaf pan on a rimmed baking sheet and bake uncovered until the vegetables are very soft and the tomatoes are soft and caramelized, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Let cool completely, at least 4 hours, or refrigerate overnight.
• When ready to serve, toss the arugula with a little (about 1 to 2 tablespoons) of the Champagne Vinaigrette to lightly dress. Remove the ratatouille from the pan by pulling it up with the ends of the foil cradle. Slice the ratatouille crosswise into 4 even pieces.
• For the sandwich build: Split the rolls in half lengthwise, brush both sides with butter, toast on a griddle and rub with the cut side of the garlic. Spread some of the butter on the cut side of the rolls and sprinkle with the flaky salt. Add a slice of the ratatouille and top with the arugula. Cut each sandwich in half on the bias.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the vinegar, parsley, mustard, oregano, sugar, thyme and garlic. While whisking, slowly add the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and you're ready to rock.

GRILLED RATATOUILLE

Steps:

• Preheat grill to medium-high.
• Place all cut vegetables and the tomatoes in a large shallow baking dish, add the 1/2 cup of olive oil, and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Place the vegetables on the grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time. Remove the tomatoes, cover grill, and cook the remaining vegetables for 2 minutes, or until almost cooked through. Transfer vegetables to a cutting board and coarsely chop (leave tomatoes whole). Place the chopped vegetables and tomatoes in a large bowl, add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic, oregano and parsley and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve at room temperature.

THE ULTIMATE GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH

Steps:

• Blend all ingredients except bread and butter in a medium bowl.
• Butter one side of each slice of bread.
• Put sandwiches together using about 1/2 cup of filling each.
• Place buttered side of bread on the outside of sandwich.
• Toast on griddle or in skillet until a deep golden brown. Make sure you cook this slowly over low to med-low heat, so that the inside has a chance to melt before the outside gets too done. Kick up the heat when it gets going.
• *Depending on the size of your bread, this makes 6-10 sandwiches.

GRILLED RATATOUILLE

Steps:

• Combine olive oil, parsley, oregano and garlic. Puree in food processor or blender. Set aside.
• Remove stems from eggplant and cut in half lengthwise. Rub some of the oil mixture over the cut surfaces.
• Cut peppers in half; remove stems, veins and seeds. Coat with oil mixture.
• Cut onions into slices 1/2 inch thick; coat with oil mixture.
• Trim stems from zucchini and coat with oil mixture. Trim stems from tomatoes and toss with oil mixture.
• Grill vegetables over a low-medium charcoal fire. The cherry tomatoes will cook very quickly; remove before they turn to mush. The peppers, onion and zucchini should be lightly colored and barely tender. The eggplant should be soft.
• When vegetables have cooled, cut all but tomatoes into smaller pieces (leave tomatoes whole). Put in bowl.
• Add the vinegar, basil, salt and pepper and toss. Marinate vegetables 2 to 3 hours at room temperature or overnight in refrigerator. To serve, return to room temperature.
• When ready to serve, adjust seasonings. Additional olive oil may be necessary.

GRILLED RATATOUILLE SALAD WITH FETA CHEESE

Steps:

• Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Place eggplant, zucchini, red bell pepper and onion on baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper; turn to coat. Grill vegetables until tender and tinged with brown, turning frequently, about 6 minutes for eggplant and zucchini and about 10 minutes for red bell pepper and onion.
• Divide vegetables between 2 plates; drizzle with vinegar. Sprinkle cheese and basil over and serve.

GRILLED RATATOUILLE

Steps:

• Spread eggplant slices on large plastic cutting board. Slice zucchini lengthwise 1/2-inch thick. Spread on cutting board. Dust vegetables with salt. Set aside 30 minutes, turn, dust with salt again and set aside 30 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.
• Meantime, light grill to very hot. (Vegetables can also be cooked under a broiler.) Place pepper pieces skin side down on grill and grill until skin blackens. Put in paper bag. Place onion slices on grill and sear on both sides. Remove and chop in 1/2-inch pieces.
• Brush eggplant and zucchini with about 2 tablespoons oil. Grill until seared. Chop in 1/2-inch pieces. Skin pepper and chop in 1/2-inch pieces.
• Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large skillet or sauté pan. Add garlic and sauté over medium heat until starting to color. Add onion and pepper, and sauté 5 minutes, stirring. Add eggplant and zucchini; sauté 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, thyme leaves, half the basil and lemon zest. Sauté 5 minutes, stirring. Season with salt and pepper.
• Fold in pine nuts, remaining basil and additional oil, if desired. Serve, or cool to room temperature.