Weight Watchers Ratatouille

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Weight Watchers Ratatouille is a low-calorie (115 kcal) and low-carb (15.5 grams) French dish. This tasty and nutritious meal is specially crafted to support a weight loss plan. It is a flavorful, and attractive dish made with different vegetables, spices, and herbs. This version of the classic dish is healthier. This Weight Watchers Ratatouille is a perfect option for anyone who is trying to lose weight. It is an affordable dish. You can purchase ingredients from local shops at reasonable prices. It is an amazing choice for every person looking to enjoy a healthy meal on a minimum budget. This dish is loaded with nutrients that will keep you full and satisfying. Let’s cook this dish with the instructions (discussed below).

Equipment:

  • A large nonstick pan
  • Cooking Spoon
  • A sharp knife
  • Plate (to serve the dish)

Ingredients:

  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 1/2 tablespoons
  • Kosher salt 3/4 teaspoon, or to taste
  • Freshly chopped Black pepper 1/4 tsp, or to taste
  • Roughly chopped small yellow onion 1/2
  • Minced Garlic Cloves 3
  • Medium-sized eggplant 1/2
  • Tomato paste 1 tbsp
  • Finely Crushed Fresh Thyme 1/2 tablespoon
  • Medium-sized zucchini 1
  • Yellow Bell pepper 1
  • Vine-ripened large tomatoes 2
  • Half a cup of fresh basil

Instructions:

Stovetop:

  1. Preheat a large pan on an average flame setting.
  2. Next, add one tablespoon of olive oil, chopped onion, a quarter teaspoon of salt, and garlic.
  3. Mix all items with a spoon. Simmer it for three to five minutes until all veggies are sauteed.
  4. After that, add remaining a quarter teaspoon of salt and cubed-sized eggplant to the pan.
  5. Saute the eggplant for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring continuously, or until it softens.
  6. Now, add thyme and tomato paste.
  7. Stir and simmer for two minutes after mixing the thyme.
  8. Meanwhile, we will cut the vegetables like zucchini, bell pepper, and tomatoes in a diced shape with a knife.
  9. Next, add the chopped tomatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
  10. Combine all items by using a cooking spoon.
  11. Cook for approximately 9 to 14 minutes or until all the veggies are done.
  12. Next, drizzle the remaining half a tablespoon of olive oil and basil.
  13. Combine and simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes.
  14. The nutritious Weight Watchers Ratatouille is ready to serve.
  15. Place this meal on a serving plate.
  16. Decorate it with fresh parsley or basil leaves. Enjoy.

Slow Cooker:

  1. Take a slow cooker. Add olive oil, garlic, salt, bell peppers, and onion to this cooker.
  2. Sautee all items for 4 to 5 minutes or until the color is dull brown.
  3. Next, add the zucchini, and eggplant to the cooker.
  4. After that, add tomato paste, thyme, black pepper, and chopped tomatoes.
  5. Combine all items with a spoon.
  6. Now, cover the slow cooker. Cook it for two to three (2 to 3) hours, or until all ingredients are done.
  7. After 3 hours, uncover the slow cooker.
  8. Cook it again for 20 to 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  9. The tasty Weight Watchers Ratatouille is ready.
  10. Top it with freshly chopped fresh basil leaves. Serve.

Variations of Ingredients:

Bell pepper:

  • Choose fresh and colorful bell peppers such as orange, yellow, red, or green.

Herbs:

  • Try this dish with oregano, rosemary, and parsley herbs.

Tomatoes:

  • Add a variety of tomatoes such as Roma, grape, fresh chopped, or cherry tomatoes.

Zucchini:

  • Yellow squash is an alternative to zucchini.

Onion:

  • Yellow onions can be substituted with red onions or shallots.

 

Serving Suggestions:

You can pair this healthy, tasty, and flavorful dish with your preferred choice. A few suggestions are listed below.

Main Cuisine:

  • Enjoy it with pasta, quinoa, toasted bread, a bed of soft couscous, or rice.

Side Meal:

  • Serve it with grilled beef steak, air-fried fish, or roasted chicken.

Egg:

  • Pair the ratatouille with an egg for breakfast.

 

Tips:

Soak the eggplant:

  • After cutting it, dip it in salted water for 10 to 15 minutes to remove the extra water and prevent blackening.
    Use fresh and seasonal vegetables: The best flavor and texture will come from using seasonal and fresh veggies.

Cooking Methods:

  • We opt for a low-calorie cooking method. It refers to a cooking method that uses minimal cooking oil to prepare the ingredients.

Herbs:

  • Try this recipe with different kinds of herbs and seasonings like garlic, onion, rosemary, or thyme.

Colorful Veggies:

  • Use colorful and good-quality vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers (of any color).

Protein Items:

  • You can incorporate various protein elements such as chicken, beans, or beef to make this dish healthier.

Cheesy Flavor:

  • Add low-fat cheese options like Mozzarella, Feta, or Parmesan cheese for a cheesy texture.

 

Storage Information:

Fridge:

  • You can save the leftover ratatouille in a closed vessel and refrigerate it for 5 to 7 days.

Freezer:

  • The remaining dish can be frozen in freezer-safe containers for two to four months.

Reheat:

  • First, melt the frozen dish in the fridge. After that, warm it on the burner or in the microwave oven.

FAQs:

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?

  • You can use store-bought canned tomatoes for your convenience. But they contain a high amount of salt and sugar. I suggest you use fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes with less sodium.

How do I add some heat to this dish?

  • We add diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to make this ratatouille spicy.

Nutritional Facts Per Serving amount

Serving Size 1 cup
Total Quantity 4 servings
Total Calories 115 kcal
Carbohydrates 15.5 g
Protein 3 g
Total Fat 5.5 g
Dietary Fiber 4.5 g
Sugar 9 g
Sodium 45.5 mg

The total Weight Watchers Points Per Serving is two (2).