Author: nicolretailer

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about creating a lasagne that replaces traditional pasta layers with slices of aubergine. This version is hearty, flavourful, and offers a delightful twist on a classic Italian dish. The combination of rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella makes for a delicious meal that’s perfect for vegetarians or anyone aiming to increase their vegetable intake. It’s a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to become a favourite at your table. Explore this recipe to bring a touch of Italy into your home with a healthy and wholesome approach.

To craft this delicious Aubergine Lasagne, you’ll need a selection of fresh and high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Aubergine Lasagna Recipe

Aubergine Lasagne is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish, incorporating the rich flavours of aubergine, parmesan, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella. Enjoy this flavourful and satisfying meal with a side salad or some crusty bread.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Servings 4 People

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 Large aubergines, sliced lengthwise
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 Whole onion, finely chopped
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 400 g Tin of chopped tomatoes
• 1 tsp Tomato purée
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 tsp Dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 250 g Ricotta cheese
• 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 Egg
• 250 g mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 9 Lasagne sheets

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/Gas Mark 6. Lay the aubergine slices on a baking tray, brush with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes until they are soft and slightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
• Make the Tomato Sauce: In a large pan, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is soft. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
• Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix until smooth and well combined. Season with a little salt and pepper.
• Assemble the Lasagne: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom. Place 3 lasagne sheets over the sauce. Layer with half of the aubergine slices, half of the ricotta mixture, a third of the mozzarella slices, and a third of the remaining tomato sauce. Repeat with another layer of lasagne sheets, the rest of the aubergine, remaining ricotta mixture, another third of mozzarella, and a third of tomato sauce. Top with the final layer of lasagne sheets, the rest of the tomato sauce, the remaining mozzarella, and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan
• Bake the Lasagne: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
• Allow the lasagne to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread, if desired. Enjoy your homemade aubergine lasagne!

Notes

Serving Ideas

Aubergine Lasagne pairs beautifully with a range of sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty lasagne. Alternatively, a slice of rustic bread can be perfect for mopping up the savoury tomato sauce. For added freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top before serving. Another great side option is roasted vegetables, which can be seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and herbs to create a harmonious meal. These additions not only enhance the visual appeal of your dish but also provide delightful textural and flavour contrasts, making your meal both satisfying and memorable.

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Making an Aubergine Lasagne with melty mozzarella can be a gratifying culinary journey, especially when it results in a dish that is both comforting and full of flavour. This recipe allows you to transform simple ingredients into a meal that showcases the richness of Italian cuisine while also promoting a healthier lifestyle by incorporating more vegetables. The careful layering of aubergines, ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella, all enveloped in a luscious tomato sauce, creates a symphony of tastes and textures that is sure to delight.

This dish is versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences or dietary requirements. For instance, you can experiment with different types of cheeses or add other vegetables such as spinach or courgettes for an extra layer of flavour and nutrition. For those who prefer a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the tomato sauce can add a subtle kick.

As with many traditional recipes, the key to a successful Aubergine Lasagne lies in the quality of your ingredients and the care taken during preparation. Fresh, firm aubergines, high-quality cheeses, and a well-seasoned tomato sauce are essential for achieving the best results.

Serving Aubergine Lasagne can be a joyful experience, whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or a more formal gathering. Pairing it with complementary sides and beverages, as suggested earlier, can enhance the meal and create a memorable dining experience. The visual appeal of a well-baked lasagne, with its golden, bubbly top, is sure to impress your guests and entice their appetites.

This recipe not only offers a delicious meal but also provides an opportunity to enjoy the process of cooking. The methodical steps involved in preparing and assembling the lasagne allow you to savour each moment, from slicing the aubergines to layering the ingredients. The aroma of the baking lasagne filling your kitchen is a delightful preview of the flavours to come.

Incorporating ingredients from Nicol retailer Limited can add a unique touch to your lasagne, ensuring you have access to high-quality products that can elevate your dish. By experimenting with different variations and making use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, you can make this Aubergine Lasagne your own.

In summary, Aubergine Lasagne with melty mozzarella is a hearty, flavourful dish that brings the essence of Italian cooking into your home. With its rich layers and comforting taste, it’s bound to become a beloved recipe in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the process and the delicious results of this wholesome and satisfying meal.

Banana shallots are a unique type of allium with a sweet flavour, perfect for those who want to avoid the sharpness of regular onions. They are incredibly versatile, suitable for everything from salads to stews, and they are easy to prepare. Their mild taste enhances dishes without overpowering them, making them a staple for chefs and home cooks. Banana shallots pair well with herbs like thyme and rosemary and can be enhanced with wine or vinegar. When buying, choose firm, unblemished ones. Store in a cool, dry place for freshness. They are a delicious addition to any kitchen.

Getting Banana Shallots Ready

When it comes to preparing banana shallots, a few simple steps can ensure you get the best out of this delightful ingredient. Start by trimming both ends of the shallot with a sharp knife. This will make it easier to remove the outer skin. Next, make a shallow incision along the length of the shallot’s skin. This cut should be just deep enough to penetrate the outer layer, without slicing into the flesh underneath. Once the incision is made, gently peel away the skin, revealing the smooth, glossy shallot inside.

After peeling, the banana shallot is ready for slicing, dicing, or chopping, depending on your recipe’s requirements. For precise cuts, always use a sharp knife. If you need finely chopped shallots, hold the shallot firmly and slice it lengthwise into thin strips, then cross-cut the strips to achieve a fine dice. For slices or rings, simply cut the shallot crosswise at your desired thickness.

Banana shallots can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for a short period. However, it’s best to use them soon after cutting to retain their flavour and texture. If you need to prepare a large batch, you can store the chopped shallots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days. For longer storage, you might consider freezing them. Spread the chopped shallots on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. This method prevents them from clumping together, making it easy to use only the amount you need later on.

For those who enjoy making stocks or broths, the trimmings from banana shallots can be an excellent addition. Instead of discarding the ends and skins, collect them in a bag and store them in the freezer until you have enough to add to your stock pot. This not only reduces waste but also enhances the depth of flavour in your homemade stocks.

Another handy tip is to use a mandoline for uniform slices, especially when you need thin, even rings for garnishes or salads. This tool can save time and ensure that your slices are consistently even, which can be particularly useful for recipes requiring uniform cooking times.

If you find the flavour of raw banana shallots too strong for your liking, you can mellow it by soaking the chopped shallots in cold water for about ten minutes before using them. This technique helps to reduce their pungency while retaining their crunchy texture, making them more palatable for salads and other raw dishes.

Whether you are finely dicing them for a vinaigrette or slicing them into rings for a tart, preparing banana shallots properly can make a significant difference in your cooking. By following these straightforward steps, you can ensure that this versatile ingredient is always ready to enhance your favourite recipes.

Culinary Uses for Banana Shallots

Banana shallots seamlessly integrate into various culinary applications, offering a gentle, sweet note that enhances both simple and elaborate recipes. When used raw, they bring a subtle onion-like flavour to salads, making them a great addition to vinaigrettes or salsas. Their mildness ensures they do not overpower the dish but rather complement the other ingredients.

In cooked dishes, banana shallots truly shine. Their natural sweetness becomes more pronounced when caramelised, making them an excellent base for sauces and stews. They pair well with ingredients like garlic, thyme, and rosemary, forming a harmonious foundation for savoury recipes. Adding a splash of wine or a touch of balsamic vinegar can further enhance their depth, creating a rich, nuanced flavour profile.

Banana shallots are perfect for slow-cooked dishes such as casseroles and braises, where their sweetness and delicate texture meld beautifully with other components. They can also be used to prepare classic dishes like French onion soup, where their sweetness provides a delightful twist.

For a delicious side dish, sauté banana shallots with mushrooms and herbs. The combination of earthy mushrooms and sweet shallots creates a mouth-watering accompaniment to meats and poultry. Alternatively, roast them with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt to bring out their natural sugars and create a deliciously sweet and tender side.

Banana shallots can be pickled as well, adding a tangy, sweet crunch to sandwiches and salads. The pickling process softens their bite while retaining their characteristic flavour, making them a versatile condiment.

They are also a fantastic addition to marinades. Their mild flavour helps tenderise meats while adding a subtle sweetness. When making a marinade, combine finely chopped banana shallots with ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for a flavourful infusion that elevates the dish.

In baking, banana shallots can be used to enhance savoury tarts and quiches. Their sweet flavour complements creamy cheeses and fresh vegetables, resulting in a well-balanced dish that is both satisfying and flavourful.

Incorporating banana shallots into stir-fries adds a layer of sweetness that balances the savoury and spicy elements typical of these dishes. They cook quickly, making them ideal for the fast-paced nature of stir-frying.

For those who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, try using banana shallots in a reduction sauce. Combine them with red wine and a touch of honey to create a luxurious sauce that pairs beautifully with steaks or roasted vegetables.

By exploring the versatility of banana shallots, you can discover numerous ways to enhance your meals with their unique flavour. Whether used raw or cooked, they offer a sweet, nuanced taste that enriches a wide range of dishes.

Recipes that Highlight Banana Shallots

anana shallots bring a unique sweetness and depth to a variety of recipes, making them a cherished ingredient in many kitchens. For a start, try incorporating them into a classic French onion soup. Their natural sweetness adds an extra layer of flavour, making the soup even more comforting and rich. Simply caramelise the banana shallots until they are golden and tender, then add them to your broth along with a splash of white wine for a delightful twist on this traditional dish.

Another fantastic way to showcase banana shallots is in a tart or quiche. Pair them with ingredients like creamy goat cheese, fresh spinach, or roasted red peppers. Their mild sweetness perfectly complements the richness of the cheese and the freshness of the vegetables, creating a balanced and flavourful meal. Simply sauté the shallots until soft, then mix them with your other ingredients and bake in a pastry shell until golden and set.

For a simple yet elegant side dish, try roasting banana shallots with a drizzle of olive oil, sea salt, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary. The roasting process enhances their natural sugars, resulting in a sweet and tender dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or grilled vegetables.

Banana shallots also shine in a red wine reduction sauce, perfect for drizzling over steak or roasted vegetables. To make this sauce, sauté finely chopped banana shallots in a bit of butter until they are soft and translucent. Add red wine, a touch of honey, and a sprig of fresh thyme, then simmer until the sauce has reduced and thickened. This rich, flavourful sauce adds a gourmet touch to any meal.

Incorporating banana shallots into marinades is another excellent way to enjoy their unique flavour. Combine finely chopped banana shallots with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your favourite herbs to create a delicious marinade that tenderises meats and infuses them with a subtle sweetness. This is particularly effective for chicken, pork, or lamb.

Stir-fries are another great application for banana shallots. Their quick cooking time and mild flavour make them ideal for these fast-paced dishes. Simply slice the shallots thinly and add them to your stir-fry along with your favourite vegetables, proteins, and sauces. The banana shallots will add a sweet note that balances the savoury and spicy elements typically found in stir-fries.

Lastly, try pickling banana shallots to add a tangy crunch to sandwiches and salads. Simply slice the shallots thinly and soak them in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices. After a few hours, they will be ready to use as a zesty condiment that enhances the flavours of your dishes.

 You can purchase banana shallots from Nicol Retailer Limited by visiting