Spanish Ratatouille (Pisto)
Pisto is a beloved Spanish dish reminiscent of ratatouille, showcasing a vibrant medley of vegetables that embody the flavors of the Mediterranean. Traditionally prepared in a single pan, this rustic stir-fry combines the earthiness of potatoes with the sweetness of bell peppers, the creaminess of eggplant, and the freshness of zucchini and tomatoes. Often accompanied by gently scrambled eggs folded in at the end, this dish is not only hearty but also versatile, making it perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side to grilled meats. Serve it warm for a comforting meal that celebrates the bounty of fresh produce.
N/A
Servings
112.5
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup (for sautéing)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
medium potatoes
2 (peeled and cut into cubes)
large onion
1 (finely chopped)
red bell pepper
1 (seeded and cut into chunks)
green bell pepper
1 (seeded and cut into chunks)
eggplant
1 (cut into small cubes)
zucchini
1 (cut into small cubes)
large tomatoes
4 (coarsely chopped)
paprika
1/2 teaspoon
cumin
1/2 teaspoon
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
water
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
Begin by heating the extra virgin olive oil and minced garlic in a large frying pan over medium heat, allowing the garlic to infuse the oil for a minute.
2
Add the cubed potatoes to the pan and sauté for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are lightly browned and slightly tender.
3
Introduce the finely chopped onion and the chunks of red and green bell peppers. Cook for 8-10 additional minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion becomes translucent and lightly caramelized.
4
Next, stir in the cubed zucchini and eggplant, cooking for another 5 minutes until they start to soften.
5
Add the coarsely chopped tomatoes into the mix and stir well to combine all the ingredients.
6
Season with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Pour in the water and bring to a gentle simmer.
7
Cover and let cook for 10-15 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together. If desired, stir in lightly beaten eggs during the last few minutes of cooking for a richer dish.
8
Serve the pisto warm, preferably with crusty bread or as a side dish to grilled meats.
Nutrition Information
5.7g
Fat
14.2g
Carbs
2g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spanish Ratatouille (Pisto)?
Pisto is a traditional Spanish dish featuring a medley of sautéed vegetables such as potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, similar to a rustic stir-fry.
What are the key vegetables used in Pisto?
The main vegetables include potatoes, onions, red and green bell peppers, eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes.
How many calories are in a serving of this Spanish Ratatouille?
Each serving contains approximately 112.5 calories.
Is Pisto suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, the base recipe is vegan. To keep it vegan, simply omit the optional scrambled eggs mentioned in the instructions.
Can I add eggs to this Pisto recipe?
Yes, for a richer dish, you can stir in lightly beaten eggs during the last few minutes of cooking until they are gently scrambled.
What type of oil is recommended for cooking Pisto?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its healthy fats and traditional Mediterranean flavor.
How should I prepare the eggplant for this recipe?
The eggplant should be cut into small cubes before being added to the pan to ensure it cooks evenly with the other vegetables.
What is the role of potatoes in Pisto?
Potatoes provide earthiness and heartiness to the dish, making it more filling than a standard vegetable stir-fry.
Is Spanish Pisto gluten-free?
The recipe itself is gluten-free, but if you serve it with the traditionally suggested crusty bread, you would need to use a gluten-free bread alternative.
How long does it take to sauté the potatoes?
The cubed potatoes should be sautéed for about 8 to 10 minutes until they are lightly browned and slightly tender.
What spices are used to flavor this dish?
This recipe uses paprika and cumin, along with salt and black pepper to taste.
Do I need both red and green bell peppers?
Yes, using both types of peppers adds a variety of color and a balanced sweetness to the dish.
How should Pisto be served?
It is best served warm, either on its own with crusty bread or as a side dish to grilled meats.
Can I cook this entire recipe in one pan?
Yes, Pisto is traditionally prepared in a single large frying pan, making cleanup easy.
What is the protein content of Spanish Ratatouille?
This dish contains approximately 2g of protein per serving without the optional eggs.
What is the fat content of this Pisto recipe?
There are 5.7g of fat per serving, primarily from the extra virgin olive oil.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
Each serving provides about 14.2g of carbohydrates.
Does Pisto provide dietary fiber?
Yes, one serving provides approximately 2.5g of fiber due to the variety of fresh vegetables.
How should I store leftover Pisto?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within a few days.
Is Pisto usually served warm or cold?
While it is most comforting when served warm, some enjoy it at room temperature as part of a tapas spread.
Should I peel the zucchini before cooking?
No, the recipe suggests cutting the zucchini into small cubes with the skin on for better texture and color.
Why is water added during the cooking process?
A small amount of water (1/4 cup) is added to help create a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
How many tomatoes are required?
You will need 4 large tomatoes, which should be coarsely chopped.
Is garlic essential for the flavor profile?
Yes, one minced garlic clove is sautéed in oil at the start to infuse the entire dish with aromatic flavor.
Can I substitute fresh tomatoes with canned ones?
While fresh tomatoes provide the best flavor, high-quality canned crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute if fresh ones are unavailable.
What is the best way to chop the onions for Pisto?
The onion should be finely chopped so that it becomes translucent and lightly caramelized during the sautéing process.
Can I add meat directly into the Pisto?
While traditionally a vegetable dish, you can serve it alongside grilled meats or stir in pre-cooked chorizo for extra protein.
How does Pisto differ from French Ratatouille?
Pisto often includes potatoes and is cooked as a stir-fry, whereas French Ratatouille typically excludes potatoes and is more of a stew.
Is Pisto considered a main dish or a side?
It is highly versatile and can be served as a hearty lunch or dinner main dish, or as a side to other Mediterranean plates.
Can I customize the vegetables in Pisto?
Yes, the dish celebrates the bounty of fresh produce, so you can adjust the ratios of zucchini, eggplant, or peppers based on your preference.