Ratatouille Taco Towers

Chef Vincent Guerithault makes his unusual taco towers by filling tortillas with earthy Provençal vegetables and garnishing them with a little spoonful of fragrant pesto sauce. Satisfying Vegetarian Recipes

Yield:
4
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Ingredients

Taco Towers

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 medium red onion (finely chopped)

  • 1 medium red bell pepper (finely chopped)

  • 1 medium yellow bell pepper (finely chopped)

  • 1 small zucchini (finely chopped)

  • ½ small eggplant (finely chopped)

  • 2 medium tomatoes (finely chopped)

  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)

  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil

  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • Basil Pesto

  • 4 6-inch flour tortillas

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet. Add the onion and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the red and yellow bell peppers and cook until just tender, about 3 minutes. Add the zucchini and eggplant and cook until just tender, about 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes, garlic, basil and thyme, season with salt and black pepper and toss to combine. Spread the mixture in a medium baking dish and roast for about 10 minutes, or until softened and beginning to brown. Transfer to a plate to cool. Lower the oven temperature to 375°.

  2. Lay the tortillas out on a work surface. Spread half of the ratatouille on the tortillas, leaving a 1/2 -inch border around the edges. Roll up the tortillas and secure each one with a toothpick. Set them, seam sides down, on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until crisp, lightly golden and heated through.

  3. Slice off the ends of each roll and remove the toothpicks. Cut each roll in half diagonally and set 2 halves upright on each of 4 plates. Spoon the remaining ratatouille around the taco towers, garnish with a spoonful of pesto and serve.

Make Ahead

The ratatouille can be refrigerated for up to 1 day. Let return to room temperature before proceeding.

Notes

One Serving

Calories 227 kcal, Protein 6 gm, Carbohydrate 32 gm, Cholesterol 0, Total Fat 10 gm, Saturated Fat 1.3 gm.

Suggested Pairing

The taco towers are compatible with a number of whites. A California Chardonnay would fit the bill perfectly.

Originally appeared: May 1996

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