Classic Ratatouille

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 (3/4 lb.) eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 large tomato, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp. dried basil
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 4 (1-cup) Servings

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan medium heat. Add eggplant and a pinch of salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Add remaining oil to the same saucepan; raise heat to medium-high. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes; add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
3. Add bell pepper and zucchini; cook until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Add tomato, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper; cook 5 minutes more.
4. Return eggplant to the pan, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate, up to 3 days, until ready to eat.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Quick & Easy Cookbook. Ratatouille is a traditional dish from Southern France. This colorful side dish is very versatile with five servings of vegetables and is very easy to prepare. You can serve this colorful side dish alongside chicken, turkey, pork, beef and even fish. If you have access to juicy and ripe tomatoes, get them because the tomatoes will make the dish more flavorful. This dish also goes great with eggs too.