Easy ratatouille for weight loss – Slimming World friendly

I love ratatouille for a quick and easy side dish to a meal where you want a touch of colour and vegetables. This easy recipe from French cuisine should help you to make the perfect ratatouille and can easily be adapted to your preferences. It is perfect on any healthy diet including the Mediterranean diet which focuses on eating foods like this.

Just Average Jen is an independent blog not connected with any weight loss plan. Please check nutritional values and/or syns yourself.

History of Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a traditional French vegetable stew that originated in Nice, France, in the 18th century. Initially a peasant dish, it was designed to use the abundance of seasonal vegetables. By the 1930s, ratatouille had become a celebrated staple in French cuisine, symbolising the essence of Mediterranean cooking with its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Why this dish is perfect on a diet

Vegetables are low in calories compared to their density. This essentially means that they fill you up with very few calories.

The more vegetables you have in a meal either as a side dish or mixed in with the meal itself the lower-calorie the meal tends to be. A filling but low-calorie meal is perfect for weight loss.

If you follow Slimming World, Weight Watchers (WW), Noom or any other weight loss plan this is a great recipe to try. It is of course important to check yourself any plan you follow and remember all nutritional information and ingredients are found in the recipe card below.

Making ratatouille – top tips

For the best ratatouille, use fresh, ripe tomatoes like beefsteak or heirloom varieties. Globe aubergines and young, small courgettes are ideal. Fresh herbs such as basil and thyme enhance the flavour perfectly, but dried herbs can be used if that is all you have. Consider adding capers for a tangy twist or using fire-roasted tomatoes for a deeper flavour.

To enhance the flavour of your ratatouille, salt the aubergine before cooking to remove bitterness. Use fresh herbs whenever possible for a more vibrant taste. Allow the dish to rest for an hour before serving to let the flavours meld together beautifully. If you prefer a thicker stew, simmer the vegetables longer over low heat.

What to enjoy ratatouille with

This is a great recipe to enjoy with a jacket potato, as a side dish to most meals or even on its own if you like!

The flavours are deep but nothing that children would not enjoy too so perfect for all the family. If a member of your family does not like one of the vegetables in it simply add extra of the others!

Ratatouille is incredibly versatile. Serve it hot, cold, or at room temperature. Pair it with crusty bread, pasta, polenta, or grains like quinoa or rice. For a hearty meal, top it with a fried egg or serve alongside grilled meats and spicy potatoes. It’s also delicious as a side dish to roasted chicken or lamb.

Benefits of eating ratatouille

Ratatouille is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense dish. It’s high in vitamins A and C, thanks to the variety of vegetables. A typical serving contains approximately 100 calories, 18 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of protein, and 1 gram of fat. It’s also rich in dietary fibre, making it a healthy choice for weight loss and overall wellness.

Other recipes you may enjoy

If you like this then why not try these other popular recipes.

Sticky mushrooms – a tasty way to make mushrooms more fun and add as a side dish to any meal.

Creamy mushroom soup – an easy popular soup recipe

Spicy potatoes are a great side dish to most meals.

If you are looking for more vegetable side dishes do check out these 6 delicious vegetable side dishes and my BBQ side dishes.

For more healthy vegetarian and vegan recipes, I have a bumper guide you will love. Check it out here.

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