Mediterranean Lasagne

Ingredients

While the original Italian lasagne typically features rich tomato sauce and Italian cheeses, this Mediterranean version incorporates fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a lighter touch of cheese. The flavors are bright and vibrant, reflecting the Mediterranean's emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and a healthier approach to cooking. We alse have the original recipe for Lasagne, so you can check it out.

• 9 lasagne sheets 9 lasagne sheets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 eggplant, diced 1 eggplant, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (400g) 1 can diced tomatoes (400g)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (30g) 2 tablespoons tomato paste (30g)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (250g) 1 cup ricotta cheese (250g)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g) 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (100g) 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (100g)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat: 22g (Saturated Fat: 10g)
• Carbohydrates: 38g (Sugar: 12g)
• Protein: 19g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the red bell pepper, zucchini, and eggplant to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and crumbled feta cheese.
6. 6.
   Spread a thin layer of the vegetable mixture on the bottom of a baking dish. Place three lasagne sheets on top.
7. 7.
   Spread a layer of the cheese mixture over the lasagne sheets. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
8. 8.
   Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lasagne sheets — Cook according to package instructions before layering in the lasagne.
• Ricotta cheese — For a smoother texture, blend the ricotta cheese in a food processor before using.
• Fresh basil leaves — Tear the basil leaves just before garnishing to release their aromatic oils.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a Mediterranean twist, sprinkle some chopped Kalamata olives or sun-dried tomatoes between the layers.
• For a heartier lasagne, add a layer of sautéed spinach or Swiss chard.
• Experiment with different Mediterranean herbs like rosemary or marjoram for added flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier lasagne, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Mediterranean Lasagne hot, straight from the oven. Accompany it with a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to complement the flavors.

Presentation advice

Garnish each serving of Mediterranean Lasagne with a sprig of fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an appetizing presentation.