Description
A delicious layered bake featuring eggplant, zucchini, and a medley of Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the diced red bell pepper, drained diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the vegetable mixture on the bottom.
- Layer half of the eggplant slices over the vegetable mixture, followed by half of the zucchini slices.
- Spoon half of the ricotta cheese over the zucchini, followed by half of the vegetable mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining eggplant, zucchini, ricotta, and vegetable mixture.
- Top the final layer with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the bake cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- For a heartier dish, add cooked ground turkey or beef between the layers.
- You can also substitute the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
- For a vegan version, use tofu or a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg