Fun fact: while ratatouille is a French recipe, the fancy version was originally created by the legendary American chef Thomas Keller, who also taught French cooking to the Pixar staff who produced the movie.
@biancajingles2690Ай бұрын
Merle you are so funny to think the bell pepper would explode 😂 charring peppers like that is very common in Mexican cooking, especially with pasilla chiles for rajas en crema 😊 keeping the stems/tops of the peppers on while charring helps to keep its shape while you’re turning it around.
@ngaston-mcdonald37442 ай бұрын
This ratatouille is the jazzed up version for presentation. Home made ratatouille is less pretty to look at and in my humble opinion tastier. My family lives by a simple rule; the messiest things are the tastiest. Don't worry so much about the presentation when cooking for yourself, that's where that feeling of a marathon comes from. I personally know that feeling because ratatouille is a go to dish for my daughters. Love seeing your little Muppet Lucille. Give her extra love and hugs from your viewers!
@MerleONeal2 ай бұрын
I agree with you about the presentation- in my day to day life I do NOTTT put that much effort in like ever hahaha
@jandmvideos90512 ай бұрын
Until that rat movie, I had never seen ratatouille presented in that way. I had always seen it as a kind of vegetable stew with the vegetables usually chopped rather than sliced. If you don’t have a gas stove, you can use the broiler on your oven to blister the peppers.
@IQzminus22 ай бұрын
Yeah, it’s just roughly diced in big size of the vegetables and then just a stew. Pretty easy to make. Meant to be a homey rustic dish. And makes what type of aubergine you use not matter. The taste will be the same, the Pixar invented one is just about taking a humble food and focusing all on the presentation. But the taste is the same thing. It’s just presentation. It’s like taking mac and cheese and cooking the pasta and cheese sauce separately, then taking the macaroni and perfectly aligning them in the same direction in a perfect line. Then timing it so the cheese sauce is the perfect temperature and consistency to piping it out of a piping bag. And then squeezing the cheese sauce in a fancy pattern on top. And the quality of the cheese sauce and everything is the same as usual and it tastes the same.
@Toastybees2 ай бұрын
Yeah restaurants will throw a bunch of extra technique and presentation into a simple dish but it's nice when the food looks elegant and it adds to the atmosphere.
@yahiryoung2 ай бұрын
Hi Merle here in México we used that method to roast poblano peppers too, usually when we cook Rajas poblanas, you should try them! Also you can put the peppers in a ziploc bag or sealed container to let them sweat.
@Faith_Soprano2 ай бұрын
"It didn't explode. That means I was right to worry that it was gonna explode." Yeah, that checks out. 😄
@katielouise2102 ай бұрын
ahh i love this!!! honestly babish's videos bring me such comfort, it's like an auto response to watch them now if i'm mentally in a rubbish place. and the same absolutely goes for yours too merle! wednesday's are always a bit rubbish but knowing you're posting makes them that bit better!! 💙
@MerleONeal2 ай бұрын
that makes me so happy
@Foo0072 ай бұрын
I love serving Babish’s ratatouille over rice or some crusty grilled bread for dinner - it’s a go-to weekend meal in my vegetarian family (it gets easier the more you make it) And that top is EVERYTHING
@AlicedeTerre2 ай бұрын
This was the first thing my boyfriend and I cooked together when we started dating like 13 years ago. We like to put it on top of fried polenta and we add goat cheese, but any heavy rich topping like a vegan cheese or yogurt would be a good substitute to give it more substance.
@MerleONeal2 ай бұрын
that is a great idea!
@lauracurriston97782 ай бұрын
This looks so good!! I have a tip on how to better use the mandolin part of the grater again! Instead of gripping the top of the grater and grating vertically, flip it horizontally and grate in a horizontal way away from you (still holding the handle)! This may help get a cleaner slice!!!
@MerleONeal2 ай бұрын
HOTTTT tip
@TiffanyYoung-bv2gb2 ай бұрын
Merle, here’s a secret…even those of us who did go to culinary school are always learning as we go. Maybe different lessons, but the art of culinary excellence is an ever evolving journey with never ending lessons. Btw, ratatouille sounds amazing!! Great job making it. It’s also great with some crusty homemade sourdough.
@TiffanyYoung-bv2gb2 ай бұрын
Also, an easier way to remove the skin off the peppers let them sit in a bowl covered and let cool for a bit. (They’ll still blend just fine) once they’re cool enough the be handled just rub them gently with a towel and the skin will come right off
@MerleONeal2 ай бұрын
thank you for the hot tip!!!
@TiffanyYoung-bv2gbАй бұрын
@@MerleONeal haha, nice pun! 🤣 you’re welcome, hope it helps.
@JubeiKibagamiFez2 ай бұрын
5:19 No, you're fine. If you take the top off and deseed first, the pepper just collapses. It's easier to peel and deseed once it's charred.
@TheJosephKnight2 ай бұрын
Could you try making vegan Foie Gras from ChefSteps? As one of the cruelest animal products, it could be an interesting thing to make.
@MerleONeal2 ай бұрын
I've never actually had vegan or even non-vegan Foie Gras so this is definitely intriguing!
@TheJosephKnight2 ай бұрын
@@MerleONeal Same, I think it's illegal here. I don't shink I've ever had pate of any kind.
@gymnasticgurl12 ай бұрын
In regards to the cleaning my product. A more environmental and financially better option would be to use a 1:1:1 ratio of water, alcohol, and white distilled vinegar. It will clean EVERYTHING. it’s pet and baby safe. Extremely cheap and attainable for everyone. I have used it for YEARS. If you want it to have a specific smell, just put some drops of essential oil in it and your good to go 👌🏽
@SoSweetAlmostEvil2 ай бұрын
I love recipes like this! I always get stuck in a rut with dinner. Thank you for the video!
@MerleONeal2 ай бұрын
You are so welcome! This one is a tricky one but if you let go of trying to make it look perfect, it's really delicious
@silversiamese2 ай бұрын
I’ve never topped and deseeded bell peppers before roasting this way. I am far from a chef, but it’s always turned out just fine. Well before anything shocking occurs small tears will appear and the steam gently oozes out. It’s okay if you forget. ❤️
@Premanator20002 ай бұрын
Merle you look stunning!!! Amazing video, please do more of these "practical weeknight" recipes ❤
@MerleONeal2 ай бұрын
You got it!!! and thank you
@michaela8792 ай бұрын
Both of the tops you're wearing in this video look super cute! Especially the soft pink one. On a side note, about the washing machine pods etc- they are covered in "plastic"- an organic polymer and it's entirely water soluble, so as far as I know, at least this part of the product is completely safe and non toxic. Buut all of these pods contain a ton of other stuff that is harmful to both humans and planet, so it's still definitely better to use more eco friendly alternatives.
@studycats1232 ай бұрын
Good timing: just grabbed my dinner😊 mashed potatoes and fried zucchini if by any chance someone wants to know😅
@MerleONeal2 ай бұрын
that sounds delicious
@davidweddle49232 ай бұрын
Hey Merle, you’re my girl. Super happy to see you make this! I’ve made a more traditional ratatouille, but have never made this version. This is inspiring me to maybe make this this summer!
@MerleONeal2 ай бұрын
as long as you've got some extra time hahaha!
@davidweddle49232 ай бұрын
@@MerleONeali can find the time ☺️
@JubeiKibagamiFez2 ай бұрын
9:59 European eggplant is traditional, but I think young eggplant is used most traditional in the Ratatouille.
@annamacdonald22702 ай бұрын
I used to look forward to pizza Fridays for elementary school lunches, and now I get Merle Wednesdays at work :)
@MerleONeal2 ай бұрын
🥹
@suzanasimic67612 ай бұрын
New Merle video....immediate watch!Having a horrible morning at work and this video is a god send! ❤
@MerleONeal2 ай бұрын
I hope your day gets better!
@suzanasimic67612 ай бұрын
@@MerleONeal Thanks!!! You're the greatest!
@davidvllr2 ай бұрын
Babe wake up, Merle posted
@MerleONeal2 ай бұрын
😏
@justin_g_smithАй бұрын
I was beyond nervous during the pepper portion. Glad you made it through!
@MerleONealАй бұрын
the fact that i was supposed to have the top cut off the whole time slays me, that thing was a ticking time bomb
@justin_g_smithАй бұрын
@@MerleONealoh I believe it!
@stauffapАй бұрын
There's a much easier and equally delicious way: Just chop the zucchinis and eggplants into rough bite sized pieces, put them on a baking tray with some olive oil and salt and let them in the oven at 200°C for about 40 Minutes. Then roughly chop the bell pepper and fry them in olive oil on a medium heat until the they brown a bit and start to smell a bit more sweet. Then add the onions to sweat them, later add the tomatoes and the fresh garlic along with thyme and fresh oregano. Season with a bit of sugar, sald and pepper. The key to a good ratatouille is that you roast the eggplant and the zucchini and that you get rid of enough water. Water dillutes all flavours. You never want a puddle of water when you put the ratatouille on a guests plate. You just want a nice, thick sauce. The method you've used won't really improve on the flavour, but is a lot more work. I like to eat this ratatouille on a piece of good, toasted bread. It's delicious, if it's done right. Nothing additional needs to be added to make it delicious. It's the process and the balance of flavours that makes it delicious when it's done right.
@stephaniebutler812 ай бұрын
GREAT juggling! I've tried so many times, and I just can't do it.
@MerleONeal2 ай бұрын
THANK YOUUUU
@MerleONeal2 ай бұрын
PS you could totally do it, you just have to start with 2 *youtube will teach you
@stephaniebutler812 ай бұрын
@@MerleONeal I’ve tried! 😂🤣
@littlepatrinka79412 ай бұрын
That was a JOURNEY!
@MerleONeal2 ай бұрын
TELL ME ABOUT IT
@Angiesmangie092 ай бұрын
I wish I had a gas stove!! Would love to char my veggies like that
@TheJosephKnight2 ай бұрын
You can get a blow torch or a cheap camping stove thing
@LindaWeeks-ic6kv2 ай бұрын
you can try broiling them too
@Angiesmangie092 ай бұрын
@@TheJosephKnight I have a torch!! Such a good idea thanks!
@kassic85042 ай бұрын
you can make a version in a pot, were you add diced veggies in a sertan order, you still chop things but then cookong takes like 30 minuts and everything is still juicey and great
@KrisRN239352 ай бұрын
I finally made the Honeycomb Tofu you made a video on. It was delicious and easy.
@MerleONeal2 ай бұрын
oh yeahh that's a good one!
@parismoon21302 ай бұрын
Japanese eggplants are always in stock at Asian supermarkets 😊
@village_vegan2 ай бұрын
Its zucchini season starting! I already collected like 5 of them))) but also there is a heat wave and I dont want to use my wooden stove😅
@MerleONeal2 ай бұрын
Oh i'm so jealous you have access to your own zucchini!!! Some day I'm going to have a yard and do the exact same thing
@village_vegan2 ай бұрын
@@MerleONeal absolutely do it when you can! it's so rewarding! and composting especially😄
@evasala732Ай бұрын
Fun Fact : you used a grater not a mandolin. Mandolins are much sharper than graters and that's why you got such uneven slices with it
@karlarondon86472 ай бұрын
Where is the pink wrap top from? It looks so lovely and soft and cozy
@mikki_s11002 ай бұрын
I found a recipe for vegan fish replacement using a plant that taste like fish! I’d love to see you try it if you can find the fish ingredient
@sakoourfalian93162 ай бұрын
You should make sarma its grape leaves stuffed with meat rice and spices theres a vegan version without the meat that people make during lent 😊
@marks.72112 ай бұрын
So it's basically dolma?
@hippieagathachristie2 ай бұрын
This is the ONLY way I'll eat eggplant!! And yes, I'm french.
@1998tkhri2 ай бұрын
I've made it before. I've never found it to not be filling enough to be a full meal and worth the effort. Obviously not authentic, but if we cut circles of tofu about the same size, maybe that would be better.
@sunny5ma2 ай бұрын
Oh we love our reigning vegan queen!! You're too funny Merle hahha😂😂. This was a lot and a very intense recipe indeed but also oddly satisfying to watch it all come together!! Much love to you, Aria and Lucille!! Always so nice to see them featured in your videos! Ciao for now! ❤ Can't wait for the next one! 🎉🎉💖.
@gretchenkarma2 ай бұрын
Your videos always make me smile! 😊
@village_vegan2 ай бұрын
Have you heard cool news that scientists proved every elephant has a name? 💚 Every each of them is a person, they themselves understand that, their family and friends understand that, but not that f..rs that kill them🤬
@MerleONeal2 ай бұрын
I did hear that, elephants are incredible - so intelligent. that fact reminds me of the one that whales have different languages and accents in different parts of the world
@karlamarx59542 ай бұрын
Yummmm LOVE ME some ratatoullie...love yr top btw..so vintage and cute! 😻🤤🍅🌶️🥕🧅🫑🧄
@Dwoalin2 ай бұрын
What dark alley did you have to go down to get the Japanese eggplant, Merle? 😶 Ratatouille really does seem to exemplify the notion of simple ingredients at their best with great technique. This inspired me to try making it one of these days ❤
@MerleONeal2 ай бұрын
lmao... we dont talk about the eggplant
@Dwoalin2 ай бұрын
@@MerleONeal 📝🧐 Heard lol.
@wenwenjzx2 ай бұрын
Love ur videos even though I'm not vegan. I don't think whole foods or sprouts would ever have japanese eggplant. Local Asian market always have them all year round
@MerleONeal2 ай бұрын
thank you for the tip!
@theaudiobookaficionado2 ай бұрын
😮💨 whewww that's such a labor intensive recipe but what a fun thing to create!
@samia36852 ай бұрын
i would love to see you and Alvin shoot a video 🥹
@JubeiKibagamiFez2 ай бұрын
5:02 Culinary School is where people go to learn how to work for a chef at a restaurant and make that restaurant a &^$% ton of money, not to learn how to be culinarily creative, so don't beat yourself up to much about that. Most of the best food in the world came from chefs who never went to culinary school.
@MerleONeal2 ай бұрын
thank u for the support!!
@jourdanhamme34262 ай бұрын
Love you Merle ❤️ 😍
@briannewton16122 ай бұрын
Can you please wear the second shirt more often? I love it..
@minoushka9712 ай бұрын
"Bonjour c'est votre go Merle" that's how you can say it in french
@scienceislove2014Ай бұрын
You need to try making derek sarno's recipes💚🌱
@elizabethheyn53652 ай бұрын
The peppers wouldn’t have exploded 😂 It may just be easier to deseed then before than after.
@j96702 ай бұрын
❤️❤️❤️
@carolina_zafra2 ай бұрын
the bell peppers will NOT EXPLODE if you roast them whole!
@angelgraves92302 ай бұрын
Something about Merle juggling is so hot! Ps, ever try soap nuts?
@strawberrysoymilkshake2 ай бұрын
Plot twist, we saw the outfit last week
@MerleONeal2 ай бұрын
👀
@umafa16452 ай бұрын
Yumm, damn
@JubeiKibagamiFez2 ай бұрын
14:34 Fancy is so overrated. French cuisine is just lots of butter, animal fats, and wasted ingredients.
@TheSaneHatter2 ай бұрын
I can't juggle AT ALL, so don't be ashamed. What I do have, is access to a charcoal grill at my partment's courtyard, so maybe I'll blacken the peppers that way. Until I saw the film, I hadn't had ratatouille since I was a kid, when I thought the name sounded funny. AFTER seeing the film, I was moved to try it again, and even though I had a simpler recipe, it wasn't easy for me, either. Last but not least, if you feel guilty or unsanitayr about adjust the food with your fingers, just wear some latex gloves: problem solved.
@ratwithahat22 ай бұрын
Sorry, heard of that dish through the WHAT
@MerleONeal2 ай бұрын
DON'T ACT LIKE YOU DONT KNOW
@gaelley53022 ай бұрын
This is a Tian.
@JaneDoe-yz6by2 ай бұрын
Did you mean Chinese eggplant?
@MerleONeal2 ай бұрын
nope!
@Stregabobbi2 ай бұрын
Btw, If you got a size smaller in that top you’d be even more ❤️🔥 (as if that was possible)
@Mialuvsveggies2 ай бұрын
Dare I say, I liked your plating Better than Babish 😃💖
@JubeiKibagamiFez2 ай бұрын
11:53 This is why I hate french cuisine. It is so pretentious and fancy and uptight. I would've just halved or quartered the regular eggplant to make it fit.
@kings981242 ай бұрын
26 seconds wow. First?❤
@MerleONeal2 ай бұрын
So early!
@lillianv68052 ай бұрын
Another great video and a tasty looking meal! I must say I've had mixed feelings on Babish since he had the Hogwarts game as a sponsor. It's one thing to play the game but another to promote it and profit from it. BUT, also being an online creator is hard and I'm guessing they gave him a pretty penny since not everyone took up their sponsorship offers. Idk I don't think he's a bad guy but I do think it was an icky sponsorship and I've felt a bit conflicted about watching him since.
@JasonMemeoa2 ай бұрын
Ohno you didn't
@bryan91542 ай бұрын
Is the audio hissing?
@LindaWeeks-ic6kv2 ай бұрын
not for me?
@LindaWeeks-ic6kv2 ай бұрын
i listened back i think its air conditioning or smth
@sunnygirl54672 ай бұрын
Fun Video!🫡 Regarding the sponsor, am I the only one who sometimes gets kinda demotivated to spend more and go the extra mile every time, whilst I keep seeing most people in real life not givig a single f, buying tons of the cheapest eggs, meat and dairy, using single use plastic bags, not recycling or littering🥲 Of course I always try to do my best and go trough the extra efforts, besides being vegan which is a non-negotiable for me anyways, but I get so frustrated with other people not caring for such important things🥲 love the sposor though, great effort to reduce packaging and microplastic😊