Summer Vegetable and Herb Cheese Bake

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €7.01 · €1.17/serving

• 3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons high-quality extra-virgin olive oilEst. price €0.25–€0.60
• Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepperEst. price €0.01–€0.03
• 1 fresh garlic clove, minced (let sit for 10 minutes to enhance flavor)Est. price €0.10–€0.25
• 2 pints sweet grape tomatoes, halvedEst. price €3.00–€6.00
• 1/2 cup creamy ricotta cheeseEst. price €0.75–€1.50
• 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheeseEst. price €0.30–€0.60
• 2 tablespoons torn fragrant basil leaves, plus more for garnishEst. price €0.40–€0.80
• 8 lasagna noodles, broken in half crosswise (cook al dente for best texture)Est. price €1.20–€2.40
• 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced (pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture)Est. price €1.00–€2.00

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by mixing ricotta, Parmesan, and 2 teaspoons of oil in a small bowl. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Next, cook the noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water until they are cooked al dente as per the package instructions. Once done, drain the noodles thoroughly.

2. 2

   Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and tomatoes, then season with salt and pepper. Stir the mixture continuously until the ingredients start to soften, which should take approximately 3 minutes. Once done, transfer the tomatoes to a separate bowl. Proceed by adding the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil along with the zucchini into the skillet. Season this mixture with salt and pepper as well. Cook while stirring until the zucchinis reach a tender consistency, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the zucchinis to another bowl and gently fold in some fresh basil for added flavor.

3. 3

   Begin by portioning out a third of the tomatoes onto four plates. Place a noodle half on each plate and add small dollops of ricotta, zucchini, and more tomatoes on top. Repeat this process with the remaining noodles and tomatoes. Finally, garnish the dish with extra basil before serving to enhance its presentation.

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• Cultural note

  The Summer Vegetable and Herb Cheese Bake is a modern twist on traditional lasagna, incorporating fresh seasonal produce and herbs. It celebrates the flavors of Italian cuisine with ingredients like ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and basil. This dish reflects the trend of incorporating more vegetables and herbs into…

• Seasonal note

  Summer is the best time to make this dish as it features fresh and abundant summer vegetables like grape tomatoes, zucchini, and basil. These ingredients are at their peak flavor and availability during the summer months.

• Health note

  This Summer Vegetable and Herb Cheese Bake is a nutritious dish packed with vitamins A, C, and K from the vegetables and herbs. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats from the cheeses and olive oil. However, it is relatively high in sodium and saturated fat, so moderation is key for those watching…