Ratatouille Lasagna
Creating a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the rustic charm of a classic ratatouille with the heartiness of a traditional lasagna results in a delightful culinary creation that is sure to impress your family and friends. This Ratatouille Lasagna recipe will transport you to a cozy French countryside kitchen with its layers of aromatic vegetables, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home, this dish is a wonderful blend of Mediterranean flavors and Italian comfort food.
**Ratatouille Lasagna**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 eggplant, thinly sliced
– 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 9 lasagna noodles
– 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the sliced eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
4. While the ratatouille mixture is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of the ratatouille mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top, followed by another layer of the ratatouille mixture, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of the ratatouille mixture and a generous topping of cheese.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Once out of the oven, let the Ratatouille Lasagna rest for a few minutes before slicing into squares. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added freshness.
Indulge in the layers of flavor in this Ratatouille Lasagna, where the traditional French vegetable stew meets the beloved Italian pasta dish. The melding of Mediterranean and Italian cuisine in this recipe creates a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for any occasion where you want to bring a touch of French flair to your table. Enjoy this cozy and delicious Ratatouille Lasagna with your loved ones and let the flavors transport you to a charming bistro in the heart of Provence.