Winter Warmer: Vegetable Ratatouille With a Magnesium Friendly Twist

A Comforting Ritual With Real Benefits

Recipe by Alex Weymouth

At Salt Lab, we’re big believers in rituals that nourish the body from the inside out. And what better way to honour your health than with a winter dish that’s simple, grounding, and nutrient-rich?

This vegetable ratatouille is not only comforting on cold days, it’s also loaded with ingredients that naturally support your magnesium levels, helping you manage stress, energy, sleep and mood.

Pair it with your daily topical magnesium ritual, and you’ve got a rhythm your body will thank you for.


Why This Recipe Supports Magnesium Balance

While food alone can’t always meet your full magnesium needs, certain ingredients contribute to your daily intake:

  • Sweet potato: A good source of magnesium and potassium

  • Zucchini & eggplant: Low in calories but high in minerals and antioxidants

  • Tomatoes: Contain magnesium and vitamin C, which supports absorption

  • Oregano & thyme: Rich in trace minerals

  • Extra virgin olive oil: Supports overall absorption of fat-soluble nutrients

Combined with Magnesium Oil or a Magnesium Bath Salt soak, this dish becomes part of a whole-body wellness ritual.


Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the vegetables

  • 2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced

  • 1 large eggplant, thinly sliced

  • 1 large zucchini, thinly sliced

  • 1 small sweet potato

  • 2 tsp fresh oregano leaves, torn and roughly chopped

  • 1 tsp dried thyme

  • Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

  • Salt and pepper

For the sauce

  • 1 brown onion, diced

  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed

  • 1 red or green capsicum (charred or grilled)

  • 6 cherry tomatoes (charred or grilled)

  • 130g tomato paste

  • 200g diced tomato (canned)

  • 1 cup water

  • 1 tbsp diced oregano

  • Juice of ½ lemon

  • Salt and pepper

  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil


Method

  1. Char the capsicum and cherry tomatoes.
    If using a gas stove, place the capsicum directly on the flame to char all sides. Alternatively, grill in the oven at 180–190°C for about 15 minutes. Place the charred veg in a container with the lid on and set aside to steam.

  2. Prepare the vegetables.
    Use a mandolin or sharp knife to thinly slice the eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes and sweet potato. Boil the sweet potato slices in a small saucepan for 6–8 minutes until just soft. Drain and set aside.

  3. Peel and chop the capsicum.
    Remove the capsicum from the container and peel away excess char. Slice open, remove the seeds and stem, and roughly dice.

  4. Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan-forced).

  5. Make the sauce.
    In a medium fry pan, heat olive oil and sauté diced onion and garlic until soft. Add the chopped capsicum and blistered cherry tomatoes, followed by lemon juice, oregano, diced tomato, tomato paste and water. Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 20 minutes.

  6. Blend the sauce.
    Use a stick blender to blend into a smooth, velvety sauce.

  7. Assemble the ratatouille.
    Spoon the sauce into the base of a deep baking dish. Layer the sliced vegetables in alternating order to form a spiral pattern across the surface.

  8. Season and bake.
    Drizzle with EVOO, add more salt, pepper, thyme, and torn oregano leaves. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until vegetables are just tender.


Make It a Magnesium Moment

After enjoying your bowl of warm, grounding ratatouille, finish your day with Salt Lab Magnesium Oil on your feet or shoulders or take a moment to unwind in a Magnesium Bath.

These quiet rituals bring your nervous system into balance and help your body absorb more from the nutrients you’re giving it.

Related reading: Whole Health Starts With Small Steps


FAQs

1. Can I prep this ratatouille ahead of time?
Yes! It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and tastes even better the next day. Reheat gently before serving.

2. What makes this dish magnesium-friendly?
Sweet potato, tomatoes, herbs and zucchini all contribute trace amounts of magnesium. When paired with topical magnesium, it supports your body’s daily intake and absorption.

3. Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely. Try red capsicum, yellow squash, or even beetroot slices for variation. Just keep the layers thin and uniform for even baking.

4. How do I combine this with my magnesium routine?
Enjoy this dish for dinner, then apply Magnesium Oil before bed or soak in a Magnesium Bath for deeper recovery and relaxation.


Customer Testimonial

“I made this ratatouille on a Sunday and paired it with a Salt Lab bath soak that night, pure heaven. My sleep was deeper, and I woke up feeling clear and calm. I love how their products and recipes work hand in hand.”
– Melissa, Adelaide


Nourish From the Inside Out

Wellness doesn’t need to be extreme. With simple recipes, quiet rituals, and effective support like Salt Lab’s Magnesium Oil, you can nourish your body from every angle—deliciously and effortlessly.

Shop the full Salt Lab Magnesium range and build your own winter wellness ritual to