Post Written By: Joe Montemorano
Post Edited By: Hope E. Davis
Need help making this dish? Check out our video recipe to make this recipe as we do!
The Traditional Ratatouille recipe is a hearty vegetable dish with layers of flavor and seasonings that’s an excellent vegetable choice for a meal. This amazing side dish, when paired with a portion size protein, would be a meal under 650 calories, thus, Ratatouille can easily be part of your weight loss journey.
Because it's not a commonly served side dish, we are sure your guests will be pleasantly surprised when you serve it at your next family gathering. (See our FB Group for an example)
Here is how to make ratatouille in less than 1 hour with the Instant Pot (or any multi-cooker)!
What is Ratatouille?
Ratatouille is a vegetable dish originating in France. Made of a mixture of vegetables with a tasty tomato sauce, you will be surprised at how filling this simple vegetable dish is.
How Many Calories are there in Ratatouille?
Nutritional value per serving:
Calories 290
Fat 19g
Sat fat 3g
Chol 0mg
Sodium 920mg
Total carbs 24g
Fiber 7g
Total Sugar 13g
Added Sugar 0g
Protein 6g
What is in Ratatouille?
2 tablespoonfuls extra-virgin olive oil
2 red or yellow bell peppers, stemmed, seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 onion, chopped fine
1 teaspoonful table salt
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoonful herbes de Provence
¼ teaspoonful red pepper flakes
1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, drained with juice reserved, chopped
1 pound eggplant, cut into ½-inch pieces
1 pound of zucchini, quartered lengthwise and sliced 1 inch thick
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
What You Need to Make Ratatouille
For our recipe, you will need an instant pot. While Ratatouille can be made without one, it takes significantly longer to cook.
Don’t have an instant pot? Buy one on Amazon using this link. You won’t regret it!
Ratatouille can easily become bland and runny if you don’t cook it properly, and it is very easy to overcook the vegetables. We’ve perfected our recipe, so you don’t need to reduce it, and the result is a thick and tasty ratatouille.
How to Make Ratatouille
Step 1: Chop Ingredients
Chop the bell peppers, onions, tomato, eggplant, and zucchini. Save the juice of the tomatoes for later.
Step 2: Saute in the Instant Pot
Set your instant pot to saute and heat the oil until it shimmers. Add the peppers, onion, and salt, and cook until they are softened, about 5 minutes. Keep moving them in the pot!
Step 3: Add Ingredients
Stir in the garlic, herbs, and pepper flake (adjust to your taste). After about 30 seconds, stir in the tomato and juice, eggplant, and zucchini.
Step 4: Close the Lid
Lock the lid in place and be sure the pressure release valve is set to close. Set to high-pressure cook and cook it for 1 minute.
Step 5: Release the Pressure
Turn off Instant Pot and quickly release pressure. Remove the lid carefully, allowing the steam to escape away from you. Set the pot to saute again, cooking the vegetables until the zucchini is tender; 3-5 minutes.
Step 6: Add Vinegar
Adjust salt and heat, then add the vinegar (yes, don’t skip the vinegar!)
Chef’s Note: Pesto topping is delicious but is too much fat if you are trying to lose weight. If you are in the weight management phase, enjoy!
How Many Servings Does this Ratatouille Recipe Make?
The recipe above will make 4-5 generous servings of ratatouille.
What to Serve With Ratatouille?
Ratatouille is perfectly served on its own as a main dish. But if you are wanting something to go with it, a green salad with a vinaigrette dressing could work wonders. Those not on a weight loss journey may enjoy ratatouille as the side dish for chicken or a piece of beef.
Final Thoughts about Ratatouille
One of the reasons we love Ratatouille is that these vegetables are available year-round, they always have the same flavor profile regardless of seasonality, and they are affordable. Just as important, however, they are low glycemic and can easily be used while on our program for weight loss or management. Bon appetit!
References:
Ref #1:
Ref #2: America’s Test Kitchen Mediterranean Instant Pot-Easy, inspired meals for eating well (click here to order from Amazon)
Ref#4: Instant Pot (click here for Amazon)
FAQ’s
What is Ratatouille Made Of?
Ratatouille is a dish from the Provence region of France made with eggplant, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, zucchini, garlic, and herbs simmered in olive oil. Some vegetables can be swapped out, but it's the seasoning that makes the dish.
Is Ratatouille a Main Dish or Side?
Ratatouille is a perfect dish because it can be served as either a main dish or if you want a hearty meal, can be served as a side to a meat for a lower calorie dish without added carbs from a starch.
How Can I Make Ratatouille Faster?
Ratatouille can be made much faster, as quickly as in a single hour, when you use the instant pot. You will also get a result that is not runny or mushy.
Is Ratatouille Italian or French?
Ratatouille is a classic Provencal French vegetable stew recipe. The word ratatouille is derived from the Occitan term “ratatolha” and the French words “rata” meaning chunky stew and “touiller” which means to toss food or stir up.
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