Grilled Ratatouille Vegetables with Fresh Mozzarella

Vegetarian. Healthy. Filling. Delicious. What more could you ask for?

Serves: 8     


18 Tablespoons  extra-virgin olive oil
  1/4 cup  chopped fresh mint
  1/4 cup  chopped fresh basil
6 large  garlic cloves -- chopped
  1/2 teaspoon  dried crushed red pepper
6 medium-size zucchini (about 1 pound total) -- trimmed, each cut lengthwise into 4 strips
4 medium-size Japanese eggplants (about 1 pound total) -- trimmed, each cut lengthwise into 4 strips
4 medium-size red bell peppers (about 1 3/4 pounds total) -- stemmed, seeded, each cut lengthwise into 6 strips
2 8 ounce  balls fresh water-packed mozzarella cheese -- thinly sliced

Spoon 6 tablespoons oil into each of 3 small bowls. Add chopped mint to
first bowl. Add basil and half of garlic to second bowl, and add dried
crushed red pepper and remaining garlic to third bowl. Season each oil
with salt and pepper. 

Combine zucchini and 2 tablespoons mint marinade in medium bowl; toss to
coat. 

Combine eggplant and 2 tablespoons basil marinade in another bowl; toss to
coat. 

Combine bell peppers and 2 tablespoons crushed-pepper marinade in third
bowl; toss to coat. (Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room
temperature, tossing occasionally.) 

Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Grill vegetables until just charred
and tender, turning occasionally, about 5 minutes. Arrange vegetables on
platter; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drizzle each with its marinade.
(Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.) 

Add cheese to platter and serve.

Source: Bon Appetit July 2002