Imagine a dish that captures the essence of late summer, bursting with vibrant vegetables and irresistible Mediterranean flavors, while keeping your health goals firmly in check. This Weight Watchers Baked Ratatouille is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple, fresh ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing and your waistline thanking you!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 eggplant, diced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish by lightly spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Wash and prepare all vegetables: dice the eggplant, slice the zucchini, chop the bell pepper and onion, and mince the garlic cloves.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, and onion. Add the minced garlic and diced tomatoes.
- Sprinkle the thyme, salt, and pepper over the vegetable mixture. Gently toss to ensure all vegetables are evenly coated with seasonings.
- Transfer the vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized at the edges.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dish to set.
- Serve hot as a side dish or light main course, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose the freshest vegetables possible for maximum flavor and nutrition.
- Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Don't skip the aluminum foil in the first baking stage—it helps steam the vegetables and lock in moisture.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider roasting garlic before adding it to the mix.
- Allow the ratatouille to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the flavors meld together.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley as a garnish for added freshness.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated, with flavors often improving overnight.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 75kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
