Elevate your summer entertaining with a delightful twist on the classic lasagne. This open lasagne, featuring a deconstructed style, combines vibrant Mediterranean flavors with a light, fresh approach. It offers a perfect dish for warm weather gatherings, showcasing sweet roasted vegetables, creamy feta, and a zesty oregano dressing. Impress your guests with this simple yet elegant recipe that can be prepared in just five easy steps.
Ingredients for Success
This recipe serves four and requires the following ingredients:
– 2 red peppers, sliced into thick strips, leaving the core behind
– 4 small eggplants, halved or 1 standard aubergine, thickly sliced
– 21 oz butternut squash or firm pumpkin, peeled, deseeded, and cut into wedges
– 6 fresh bay leaves
– 7 oz baby plum tomatoes (both red and yellow)
– Approximately 3.4 fl oz extra virgin olive oil
– 1 1⁄2 tsp coriander seeds, toasted and crushed
– 1 garlic clove, crushed
– A pinch of dried chili flakes
– A small handful of fresh oregano, roughly chopped
– 2 tbsp best-quality sherry vinegar
– A large handful of Kalamata olives, stoned
– 12 fresh lasagne sheets (about 11.3 oz)
– 7 oz feta cheese, drained and sliced
Preparation Method
Begin by preheating your oven to 390°F (gas 6). Divide the peppers, eggplants, butternut squash, tomatoes, and bay leaves between two large oven trays, spread them out evenly. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, stirring to coat lightly. Season generously with salt and pepper before roasting the vegetables in the center of the oven for approximately 35 minutes, or until cooked through. Once done, remove from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and set aside.
Next, create a flavorful dressing by mixing the remaining olive oil with the toasted coriander seeds, crushed garlic, chili flakes, fresh oregano, olives, and sherry vinegar. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
While preparing the dressing, cook the lasagne sheets in a pot of salted, boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain well and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.
To serve, artfully layer the pasta on each plate, accompanied by the roasted vegetables and slices of feta. Drizzle the dressing over the top to complete your open lasagnes.
For a stunning presentation, consider using a beautiful ceramic baking dish, such as the NutriChef 3-Piece Ceramic Casserole Set. Enhance your meal with one of the recommended summer salads for added color and freshness.
This deconstructed lasagne not only simplifies the traditional recipe but also brings sophistication and ease to your summer menu. Enjoy the delightful flavors and impress your guests with this effortless yet elegant dish.
