Eggplant and ricotta lasagne (lasagne con melanzane e ricotta) – Classic
This is the traditional, time-tested version of the dish. It stays true to its origins, using well-established techniques and ingredients that define its authentic flavor. A perfect starting point for exploring its evolution.
Country: 
Italy Servings: Serves 6
Italy Servings: Serves 6Eggplant and Ricotta Lasagne, known as ‘Lasagne con Melanzane e Ricotta’ in Italian, is a celebrated dish from Italy that combines the earthy flavors of roasted eggplant with the creamy richness of ricotta cheese. This comforting pasta dish originates from Southern Italy, where eggplants thrive in sun-drenched gardens. The marriage of these simple ingredients with fresh tomato sauce and pasta creates a harmonious, layered opus of taste, capturing the essence of Italian home cooking.
Ingredients
- Eggplants – 2 large, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- Olive oil – 1/4 cup / 60 ml
- Ricotta cheese – 2 cups / 500 g
- Mozzarella cheese – 2 cups / 200 g, shredded
- Parmesan cheese – 1 cup / 100 g, grated
- Tomato sauce – 3 cups / 720 ml
- Fresh basil leaves – 1/2 cup, chopped
- Lasagne sheets – 12 sheets
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the eggplants into 1/4-inch rounds, and lay them on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast the eggplant slices in the oven for 25 minutes or until golden and tender.
- In a large bowl, mix ricotta with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer 4 sheets of lasagne, followed by half the roasted eggplants, half of the ricotta mixture, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat the layers.
- Finish with the remaining lasagne sheets, spread with tomato sauce, and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Substitutions
- Ricotta cheese -> Cottage cheese
- Mozzarella cheese -> Provolone cheese
- Parmesan cheese -> Pecorino Romano cheese
- Lasagne sheets -> Gluten-free lasagne sheets
Enhancements in the Next Evolution
- Add a layer of spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Marinate the eggplants with a garlic herb mix for enhanced taste.
- Use a blend of roasted red peppers in the tomato sauce for a smoky flavor.
Curious to see how this dish evolves? Discover refined flavors and enhanced techniques in the next version.
