Judi's Ratatouille Lasagne

Judi's Ratatouille Lasagne Recipe - Authentic Italian Dish

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Ratatouille Lasagne is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of traditional ratatouille with the comforting layers of lasagne. This recipe is a perfect way to enjoy a classic French dish with an Italian twist.

History

Ratatouille is a traditional French vegetable stew that originated in the Provence region. It is typically made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, seasoned with herbs like basil and oregano. Lasagne, on the other hand, is a classic Italian dish made with layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce. Combining these two dishes creates a unique and flavorful meal that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil, good quality
1 cup diced zucchini squash
0.5 cup yellow summer squash, sliced
1 cup sliced brown mushrooms
1 cup diced green pepper
1 cup diced red bell pepper
1 cup eggplant with skin, diced
1 cup diced onion
4 garlic cloves, minced fine
1 large can chopped tomatoes, drained very well
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
0.25 tsp dried oregano, crushed with fingers
0.25 tsp italian herb seasoning
4 tbsp Italian flat leaf parsley, minced
0.25 tsp black pepper
0.25 cup red wine, good quality

Filling

1.5 cup part skim ricotta cheese
0.75 oz (21 g) parmesan cheese, grated
1 egg
12 lasagne noodles cooked and drained (use imported Italian if you can)
3 cup marinara sauce, homemade
0.5 cup mozzarella cheese, diced
béchamel sauce

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).

Ratatouille

In a 5 qt (4.73 liter) dutch oven, heat the oil.
Add the onions and garlic.
Stir for a minute or two, then add the zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, and eggplant. Cook for 5–6 minutes.
Keep stirring to prevent sticking.
Stir in the drained tomatoes and seasonings.
Add the wine.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Spray a 12 x 8" lasagne size pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and egg.
Blend well.
Put a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of the pan.
Put 6 lasagne noodles on top of the sauce.
Layer with half of the cheese mixture, half of the ratatouille, and the remaining cheese mixture.
Cover with the remaining 6 noodles.
Add a very thin layer of marinara sauce.
Sprinkle with mozzarella.
Pour the prepared bechamel sauce over the top.
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes or until bubbly.
Remove the foil and let it brown for about 4–5 minutes.
Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.

Variations

Add ground meat or sausage to the ratatouille for a meatier version.
Use different vegetables like spinach, artichokes, or roasted red peppers for a unique twist.
Substitute the ricotta cheese with goat cheese or feta for a tangy flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the tomatoes well to prevent the lasagne from becoming too watery.

- Use imported Italian noodles for the best texture and flavor.

- Be sure to season each layer of the lasagne to ensure a well-balanced dish.

- Let the lasagne rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Ratatouille Lasagne with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. Pair with a glass of red wine for a perfect dining experience.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender but still have a slight bite to them.

- Layer the lasagne carefully to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

- Let the lasagne rest before serving to allow the flavors to develop.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free version of the lasagne.

- Substitute the ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a lower-fat option.

- Use vegetable broth instead of wine for a non-alcoholic version.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the lasagne ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

- Freeze the lasagne for up to 3 months for a convenient make-ahead meal.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the lasagne with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. - Serve the lasagne in individual ramekins for a stylish presentation. - Drizzle balsamic glaze over the lasagne for a gourmet touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Ratatouille Lasagne with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine like Pinot Noir.

- Serve with a side of garlic bread or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the lasagne in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

380

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 6g

- Sugars: 10g

Fats

- Total Fat: 15g

- Saturated Fat: 7g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 18g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 25% DV

- Vitamin C: 60% DV

- Calcium: 20% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains dairy (ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella cheese)

- Contains eggs

- Contains wheat (noodles)

Summary

This Ratatouille Lasagne is a well-balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

Summary

Ratatouille Lasagne is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of traditional ratatouille with the comforting layers of lasagne. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, and is sure to impress with its unique and flavorful combination of French and Italian cuisine. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I stood in front of my cluttered cookbook collection, searching for inspiration. I had grown tired of making the same old recipes and was yearning for something new and exciting to try.

Just as I was about to give up, a dear friend of mine, Judi, called and invited me over for dinner. She mentioned she was making a dish called Ratatouille Lasagne and said it was a family recipe that had been passed down for generations. Intrigued, I quickly accepted her invitation and made my way over to her cozy little cottage.

As soon as I walked through the door, the tantalizing aroma of garlic and tomatoes filled the air. Judi greeted me with a warm hug and led me to the kitchen, where a bubbling pan of Ratatouille Lasagne was waiting on the stove. The vibrant colors of the vegetables peeking through the layers of pasta and cheese were a sight to behold.

Judi explained that her grandmother had taught her how to make this dish when she was just a little girl, and it had since become a family favorite. She graciously shared the recipe with me, and I eagerly jotted down the ingredients and instructions in my tattered recipe notebook.

The first step was to prepare the ratatouille filling, a medley of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes cooked with fragrant herbs and spices. As the vegetables simmered on the stove, their flavors melding together in perfect harmony, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation.

Next, it was time to assemble the lasagne. I layered the ratatouille filling between sheets of tender pasta, alternating with creamy ricotta cheese and tangy marinara sauce. Finally, a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese was added on top to create a golden crust when baked in the oven.

As the Ratatouille Lasagne baked, the kitchen was filled with a symphony of sizzling and bubbling sounds. The tantalizing aroma wafted through the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation. I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of my labor and see if I had done justice to Judi's family recipe.

When the timer dinged and the lasagne emerged from the oven, golden and bubbly, I knew I had succeeded. Judi and I sat down at the table, plates piled high with steaming slices of Ratatouille Lasagne, and dug in with gusto. The flavors exploded in my mouth, each bite a harmonious blend of savory vegetables, rich cheese, and delicate pasta.

As I savored each mouthful, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous moment that had brought me to Judi's doorstep. Her generosity in sharing this cherished family recipe with me had opened up a whole new world of culinary possibilities, and I knew that this dish would become a staple in my own repertoire.

From that day on, Judi's Ratatouille Lasagne became a beloved favorite in my household. I would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply when I wanted to treat myself to a delicious and comforting meal. And every time I took a bite, I would think back to that warm summer day when I first discovered this incredible recipe, and I would smile, grateful for the gift of friendship and good food that Judi had bestowed upon me.