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What to Serve with Ratatouille? (45+ Sides & Mains)

By Emese Maczko on 12/09/2022 - May contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure.

No idea what to serve with ratatouille? Should you consider it as a main dish and choose a side to go with it? Or is it really only a veggie side dish? The amazing thing is that ratatouille can be both. We collected 45+ delicious combinations to enjoy this light summer veggie stew in both ways.

Ratatouille in a red dutch oven and different sides are around it like rice, grilled polenta, bread, potato, salad, focaccia

Table of Contents hide

1. What is ratatouille?

2. But how do the French eat it?

3. Best sides to serve with ratatouille

4. Creative mains to serve with ratatouille

5. Ratatouille for breakfast

6. Top tips to choose the perfect complementing dish

7. More stew and soup recipes

What is ratatouille?

Ratatouille is a French veggie stew using summer vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, red pepper, and tomato. It is considered a “peasant dish” meaning the stew is meatless and made up of cheap ingredients. Furthermore, it is also a type of stew that gets better with every passing minute. Isn’t it wonderful?

There is no exact ratatouille recipe, so everybody interprets it a little bit differently. Since the movie with the same name was released in 2007, the oven-baked ratatouille (similar to “confit byaldi”) became really trendy. However, originally the French cooked it on a stove.

Here is our one-pot easy french ratatouille recipe that you can make within 30 minutes! We use juicy diced tomatoes, globe eggplant, yellow bell pepper, and young zucchini topped with fresh herbs. See the result for yourself in the below picture.

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A red pot from above with veggie chunks of all colors: red, yellow, green, orange, brown. There is a serving spoon taking a portion from the middle.

But how do the French eat it?

Ratatouille is a fresh summer vegetable dish that originated in Provence, South France. They serve it

hot as a side dish with meat (like chicken, pork chops, or flank steak) or fish or cold as an appetizer on baguette.

Best sides to serve with ratatouille

If you would like to enjoy it as a main dish aka as a light summer veggie stew, here are a couple of delicious side dishes that go great with it.

Bread, the good old classic

It is a stew so take a slice of rustic crusty sourdough bread or ciabatta and dunk. You might not know this about us, but we eat gluten-free. So we would like to show you also some homemade gluten-free options to choose from.

Nice crusty loaf of bread on a cooling rack

Artisan GF Bread

A careful mix of tapioca starch, sorghum, millet, and brown rice flour creates this amazingly light gluten-free bread by Allergy-free Alaska which has crispy crust but is still soft inside.

Socca Flatbread

This Socca flatbread from Emma Eats and Explores is super versatile and we can’t wait to try it! Chickpea flour, olive oil, and water – that’s all you’ll need to make the perfect accompaniment for your ratatouille.

Healthy GF Cornbread

Soft and tender, this cornbread recipe by Nutriciously is the best for some dunking in stews like ratatouille. It is completely vegan and gluten-free. Looks yummy, isn’t it?

Rosemary GF Focaccia

This focaccia bread from Dish by Dish is crisp, filling, and insanely easy to make. Just a dash of rosemary or your choice of herb and a drizzle of olive oil make this bread a great side for your steaming bowl of ratatouille.

Rice and other grainy sides

Our favorite side dish to accompany ratatouille is simply cooked brown rice. However, here are some creative variations that match perfectly with the French flavors of fresh thyme or fresh basil.

Large black frying pan with yellow creamy rice topped with brown mushroom slices and parsley leaves. A hand is holding a fork and taking some. A wooden spatula is placed in it as well.

Mushroom Risotto

How to make vegan risotto for two? It is easier than you think. All you need is 6 ingredients and about 30 minutes to cook a delicious creamy risotto. It will look fancy and impressive even if it was effortless and uncomplicated.

Green Pesto Risotto

An easy one-pot recipe from Moon and Spoon and Yum, this risotto has fragrant arborio rice in a vibrant and creamy sauce. A quick mix of oil, vegetable stock, and pesto creates this timeless classic that you will absolutely love! Finally, add a dash of salt and pepper, and your dish is ready.

Cypriot Lentils and Rice

This dish from Kopiaste is a Mediterranean-inspired combination of rice and lentils that is melt-in-your-mouth tender. You can choose to tweak the recipe any way you like. Use lentils already available at home and pick among a range of preferred garnishes – caramelized onions, and fresh herbs. The choice is entirely yours.

Silver baking tray with orange butternut squash cut in half and stuffed with rice, spinach, chickpeas, olives and crumbles feta cheese drizzled with black balsamic vinegar

Spanakorizo

It is a stuffed butternut squash recipe that calls for a generous stuffing of rice, spinach, feta cheese, and olives. Delicate and luscious, this stuffing can be made separately and paired with just about any main, and it’ll be a roaring success!

Mediterranean Yellow Rice

Mediterranean rice dishes are usually flavored with herbs and spices and are a simple accompaniment for any entrée. This yellow rice recipe from Veggies Save The Day is no different. Light, unique, and ready in no time, all it needs is a little prep and you’ll have a great side to pair with ratatouille.

Mujaddara

Mujadara is a rice and lentil dish from the Middle East, and it is naturally vegan! With just a handful of ingredients, this dish from Little Sunny Kitchen comes together in under 30 minutes. Beautifully caramelized onions give it its depth of flavor and it’s an amazing muted side to have with rich mains like ratatouille.

Jollof Rice

A traditional West African rice dish from This Old Gal’s Jollof rice is light, flavorful, and a huge crowd-pleaser. Cooked with tomatoes, peppers, and onions can be a wonderful side for your ratatouille at your next dinner party.

Fluffy Quinoa with Pesto

Transform plain quinoa into a complex flavor bomb with this recipe. Fluffy quinoa with pesto from Tin and Thyme is perfect with any main. Try it now!

Cauliflower Rice

If you’re looking for low-carb recipes, then cauliflower rice from Happy Kitchen Rocks is a great choice. Instead of regular rice make an indulgent change. This cauliflower rice is quick, delicious, and guilt-free!

Cauliflower Couscous

Blitzed cauliflower paired with fresh pomegranates makes this recipe from A Mummy Too extremely light and guilt-free. Just a squeeze of lime and a hint of cumin bring it all together into one vibrant and delicious side for ratatouille.

Stuffed Grape Leaves

This authentic Turkish dish from Cooking Gorgeous consists of beautiful grape leaves stuffed with aromatic rice, herbs, and spices. This bite-sized treat is great as an appetizer and goes well with any entrée. Your rich ratatouille will be perfectly complemented with this side!

Potatoes sides

Naturally, most people love potatoes as a side dish. Due to the crunchy texture of ratatouille, mashed potatoes may not be the best choice, but oven-roasted or fried recipes complement this veggie stew perfectly.

Roasted Zucchini And Potatoes

We love how potatoes fit in with any dish, and these roasted zucchini and potatoes are a charm. It’s a great side dish from Through The Fibro Fog that pairs well with fresh flavors. Time-saving and effortless, it is certain to be a success.

Vegan Potato Cakes

These potato cakes from Little Sunny Kitchen are super delicious and are a snack that your kids will adore. You can even freeze some for later. Potatoes, carrots, and rice are the main ingredients you’ll need which means it is naturally gluten-free. Simply combine and lightly fry for a quick treat.

Vegan Potato Wedges

These vegan potato wedges from Feasty Travels are packed with flavor. Simple spices, a touch of onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika make it a fast favorite. The recipe is extremely easy, and the wedges come together in just an hour.

Polenta

It is also a popular side dish to serve with ratatouille. The sweetness of the cornmeal complements the crunchy cooked vegetables nicely and turns them into a cozy, heart-warming bowl of comfort food.

Grilled Polenta

Polenta is a common side dish with ratatouille, and this grilled polenta from Vegan Huggs is soon to become a household staple. This recipe pairs tender polenta with slightly smoked tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and just a little vegan ricotta. Light and crispy, it’s just what you need for a relaxed meal at home!

Creamy Polenta With Butternut Squash And Chickpeas

This beautiful creamy polenta from Sunglow Kitchen is one of our favorites. It’s soft, pillowy, and has the right amount of flavor. With just 30 minutes of prep time, it is a unique side to pair with any main.

Polenta Chips

Polenta chips from Yuzu Bakes are low on calories and a great alternative to the usual potato chips. Cornmeal or polenta and water are the only two ingredients you’ll need. Flavor with your choice of spices, and your snack is ready!

Seared Polenta

This recipe is sophisticated and layered with flavor and texture. Crunchy polenta is combined with a helping of Go Dairy-free heirloom tomato sauce that will have your mouth watering! Make ahead and let it cool for the best results. Itu0026#39;s a great side that is ready in just under 45 minutes.

Creative mains to serve with ratatouille

Now, you might think – well – it looks like a yummy veggie side dish, rather than the main course. We got you covered. The French usually serve ratatouille with grilled meat or fish, although here are some vegetarian options as well. Why? Because it is delicious and gives you an even wider variety of combinations. There are lots of meatless options to choose from:

Vegetarian main courses

If you want to turn ratatouille into a complete lunch or dinner, add something hearty and filling. There are several delicious high-protein recipes using legumes like lentils, chickpeas, or other beans that complete any roasted vegetable-type dish. Here are our favorite ones:

Classic Crispy Vegan Falafel

We love falafel! It’s one dish that is healthy, vegan, and globally adored. Paired with homemade hummus, its main focus is on the flavor. Sharp garlic, onions, herbs, and olive oil give it its characteristic taste.

Overlay photo of a frying pan. Lot of small eggplant balls in marinara sauce

Eggplant Meatballs

Our eggplant meatballs are one of the best ways to kick off your list of mains to serve with ratatouille. All you’ll need are roasted eggplants, oats and brown rice flour, a flax egg, and marjoram. Serve with your choice of sauce, or simply eat fried or baked!

Several mushroom meatballs on top of spaghetti with yellow creamy sauce served on a black plate.

Mushroom Meatballs

These wholesome mushroom meatballs are one of our best creations! We prefer button mushrooms, but you can pick from different kinds available near you. Liberally spice with dried herbs, paprika, soy sauce, and nutritional yeast. You can even freeze some for later!

A skillet from above with several baked brown meatballs in bright red sauce and chopped green herbs. A spoon is taking one ball from the middle.

Vegan Meatballs

Juicy and rich, these TVP meatballs closely resemble the chunky meaty texture that you’re looking for. They perfectly hold their shape and are also a great substitute for burgers, tacos, and lasagnas. Season well, and use in any dish – they’re great for every recipe!

IKEA Veggie Balls

These copycat veggie balls are nutritious and extremely filling. With bell peppers, corn, peas, and carrots, the list of veggies in these delicious meatballs is endless! Just chop, add your preferred seasoning and bake until golden. A great recipe for every meal!

Lentil Veggie Nuggets

These bite-sized treats from This Healthy Kitchen are wholesome and full of protein. They’re ideal for introducing your kids to healthy snacking, and make a great meal with endless possibilities. Serve a plateful with your choice of dips, and it’s certain to be a hit with guests!

A long brown lentil loaf on parchment paper has been cut into slices. 2 slices has fallen in the front. All slices are glazed with red sauce and topped with chopped scallions.

Lentil Loaf

Our lentil loaf is juicy and tender, with a rich earthy texture that we love. Brown lentils, buckwheat seeds, and button mushrooms mixed with a combination of different spices create this amazing recipe. It’s a great way to celebrate the next festive season.

Light grey round plate with a brown, shiny tofu slice topped with a chopped green herbs served with baked half potatoes and roasted asparagus

Tofu Steak

Tofu steak is silky, soft, and delicious. Marinate it with different spices and carefully cook the tofu so as to not cause any breakage. Although it may seem like an unusual combination with ratatouille, the flavors do all the work and just further enhance the ratatouille.

2 crispy brown yellow cauliflower slices in a cast-iron skillet surrounded by roasted garlic cloves and wilted rosemary twigs. A small black bowl of green peppercorn sauce is next to it.

Cauliflower Steak

This recipe includes a one-inch thick piece of cauliflower with a liberal drizzle of green peppercorn sauce. However, skip the sauce and top it with a generous layer of ratatouille and you have a wonderful dish to serve.

Protein-packed salads

It is hard to enjoy heavy meals during the hot summer, isn’t it? So a light summer salad for a light summer stew is just what you might need. They are a refreshing and colorful combination that will not leave your tastebuds hanging.

Easy Mediterranean White Bean Salad

The Mediterranean is all about fresh produce and bold flavors, and this white bean salad from The Fiery Vegetarian is just that. Sharp and super refreshing, it’s perfect for the summers. Chill overnight and serve it with a drizzle of a little balsamic vinegar for some added depth.

Lentil Salad with Green Olives

Olives and legumes come together beautifully in this Mediterranean recipe from Kalyn’s Kitchen. It’s perfect for pairing with other sides and greatly complements the humble ratatouille. Add your own choice of veggies to the mix, and season with freshly squeezed lemon juice, chopped parsley, and coarse salt. You’re guaranteed to come back for more!

Rainbow Three Bean Salad

Healthy and colorful, this three-bean salad from Marathons and Motivation is summer in a bowl. It’s low on calories and extremely quick to make; a must-have on your table! The recipe calls for three different beans, and you can also add legumes and grains if you wish.

Mediterranean Quinoa salad

This salad from Seitan Beats Your Meat boasts lively Mediterranean vegetables beautifully put together with some light quinoa. A delicious side, you can serve it both hot or cold and it’ll do wonders to champion your main. Be it ratatouille or any other stew or curry, this salad has got your back!

Chickpea Salad

This chickpea salad from Profusion Curry is a cool way to experiment with Mediterranean flavors. The snap of fresh vegetables and slightly boiled chickpeas make it satisfying, hearty, and fresh. Paired with warm ratatouille, it’ll offer a firm balance to your meal and create beautiful contrasting flavors.

Sprouted Buckwheat Salad With Basil Pesto

An extremely innovative recipe, this buckwheat salad from LB Health and Lifestyle is crunchy and refreshing. It makes the most of easily available ingredients and is tossed in some basil pesto to finish. The flavors gently complement the ratatouille, and a good helping of both makes for a great meal, no matter the time of day.

Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

Foolproof Living’s quinoa is a meal in itself. It’s appetizing, bursting with flavor, and completely gluten-free. There is no cooking required, and you just need to toss the ingredients together. It offers a refreshing break from eating the warm ratatouille and perfectly complements the meal at hand.

Ratatouille for breakfast

Last, but not least ratatouille is a scrumptious savory breakfast alternative. If you make it a day before, all the flavors and the juices come together and make it even more delicious and rich. The French serve it with poached egg or omelet and Italian sausages. If you need an eggless/meatless alternative, we have some tips for you here:

A frying pan with frittata, chopped veggies in an eggy batter. A hand is holding a knife to make slices.

Vegan Frittata

Portobello mushroom, bell pepper, cherry tomato, and fresh spinach leaves bring together this loaded vegan frittata made from chickpea flour. A filling savory breakfast, it’ll pair extremely well with a portion of piping hot ratatouille to start your day on a high note.

Vegan and GF Sausages

These vegan and gluten-free sausages from Healthier Steps are moist in the center and packed with delicious, juicy flavors. Whether you choose to fry them as they are or sauté them with onions and peppers, they will pair perfectly with your ratatouille to make a grand breakfast that is fit for kings!

Tofu Scramble

What’s breakfast without eggs? This tofu scramble from Nora Cooks is the coolest alternative for eggs, and its silky texture keeps you wanting more! Season as you please and sit down to a warm breakfast that you simply won’t be able to beat.

3 fried egg lookalike with white and yolk part on a black plate sprinkled with green spring onion rings.

Vegan Fried Eggs

These 5-ingredient fried eggs are inviting to look at, and great to lop up your ratatouille with. A hint of black salt achieves the delicious egg-like taste, and using full-fat coconut cream adds to the runny texture. Ready in under 15 minutes, you’ll love how well they turn out!

Air Fryer Tempeh Bacon

Bacon is every household’s favorite breakfast food, and tempeh is the perfect vegan alternative to begin experimenting. Meaty and juicy, this tempeh bacon recipe from The Vegan Larder is a sure winner. It’s prepared in under ten minutes, and you can toss some over your ratatouille for a new flavor profile, or simply eat them as you please.

Small white round bowl on a brown plate with brown bits. A hand is holding a spoon and dunking in the middle.

Vegan Bacon Bits

Our vegan bacon bits are healthy, smoky, crispy, and absolutely yummy! This dish is creative and uses cooked buckwheat to produce the effect of bacon. Fairly straightforward, it’s one meatless alternative that you’ll want to have up your sleeve.

Easy Vegan Quiche

Quiché is a brunch classic that everyone loves. It’s delicious, effortless, and saves time. Silken tofu helps this recipe from Sweeter Than Oats achieve its desired creaminess, and itu0026#39;s a handy ingredient to have around while doing vegan cooking. From seasonal vegetables to the more common ones like peas, green beans, broccoli, or cauliflower, you can use any vegetable to perfect your Quiché.

Top tips to choose the perfect complementing dish

Whether you eat ratatouille as a side dish or a main dish, here are a couple of tips you can consider if you want to keep it more or less authentic:

Choose a dish using typical French herbs. These are thyme, basil, rosemary, tarragon, savory, marjoram, oregano, and bay leaf. If you choose sides/mains seasoned with these, they should be a perfect match for ratatouille.
Look for typical Mediterranean ingredients. Provence is located in Southern France, so Mediterranean recipes are usually a safe bet to choose from. Look for recipes with ingredients like kalamata olives, capers, artichoke hearts, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, pasta, bread, seafood, meat, dairy, legumes, and wine.
Keep it simple. France is famous for its intricate recipes even for stews and soups, although ratatouille is one of the lightest French stews ever (especially compared to a hearty, meaty Beef Bourguignon). So keep it simple and choose a side or main that highlights the delicious variety of summer veggies in ratatouille.

More stew and soup recipes

If you like ratatouille, you might also enjoy other stew-type veggie recipes like

We hope that you could find some inspiration from the above list. Let us know in the comments, what is the best way to eat ratatouille as per your taste.

Comments

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Lori Rheiner

July 03, 2020 at 7:11 am

It is wonderful for breakfast used to fill an omelette, Also, I love it with over medium eggs served on top with some fresh basil leaves gently torn and a drizzle of warmed reduced balsamic vinegar.

Reply
Rachel

July 02, 2020 at 5:54 pm

Thanks so much for including my Kale and Tomato Risotto. Love this roundup!

Reply
Angela

July 02, 2020 at 10:54 am

I love ratatouille!!! So many great things to serve it with!!

Reply

Hi, we are Emese Maczkó and Nándor Barta, the founders and recipe creators behind My Pure Plants. We are sharing our knowledge and expertise in vegan recipes and encourage you to try home-cooked meals using locally-sourced, organic, whole foods.

More about us →

Reader Favorites

Hearty stews

Hi, we are Emese Maczkó and Nándor Barta, the founders and recipe creators behind My Pure Plants. We are sharing our knowledge and expertise in vegan recipes and encourage you to try home-cooked meals using locally-sourced, organic, whole foods.

More about us →

Reader Favorites

Hearty stews