Vegetable Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a healthy Italian vegetable dish served with pasta.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 1 red onion
• 1 large egg plant/aubergine
• 2 medium zucchinis/courgettes
• 1 green bell pepper
• ¼ bottle red wine
• 3 cloves garlic crushed
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 400g can chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Ground Black Pepper to taste

Method:

1. Chop the onions, egg plant (aubergine), zucchinis (courgettes) and peppers into ¾ inch square pieces. Fry the onion for a few minutes in a little olive oil.
2. Add the rest of the vegetables and the crushed garlic and fry for a few more minutes.
3. Add the wine, thyme and stir gently whilst on a low heat.
4. Mix in the tomatoes then add the bay leaves on top. Cover the pan and leave it to simmer on a low heat for 45 minutes stirring occasionally. 10 minutes before serving stir in the balsamic vinegar.
5. Serve with approximately 60g pasta and topped with low fat parmesan or a similar cheese. I used spaghetti but any will kind of pasta will do.