Ratatouille Lasagna With Basil Walnut Pesto

I had no idea how much my world would change after having a baby. I was battling through postpartum and dietary restrictions while nursing did not make it any easier! As if this was not enough, I had an unbelievably strong craving for lasagna which, unfortunately, calls for tomato sauce - another strict no-no in my nursing diet :( I decided to go ahead and try making lasagna without tomatoes and see what happens. You know, just for fun :) Fortunately, I was able to tolerate other night shade vegetables.

Finally here it is - ratatouille lasagna without tomatoes, onions or garlic. Not only is it yummy, but it's super nutritious with all the vegetables and the protein coming from the cheeses :D

Supplies

Equipment:

• 9x13 baking dish
• Saute pan + spatula for making the ratatouille
• Mixing bowl + spoon for making the ricotta filling
• Large pot to boil lasagna noodles
• Oven to bake the lasagna in

For Ratatouille:

Dried herbs:

• Red chili flakes - 1/2 tsp (or more for some extra heat)
• Black pepper - 1/2 tsp
• Marjoram - 1/2 tsp
• Savory - 1/4 tsp
• Rosemary - 1/2 tsp
• Sage - 1/2 tsp
• Basil - 1/2 tsp
• Thyme - 1/4 tsp
• Oregano - 1/2 tsp
• Parsley - 1/4 tsp

Vegetables:

• Aubergine - 1/2 of a medium sized one
• Kale - 2 stalks
• Zucchini - 1 and 1/2
• Yellow squash - 1 and 1/2
• Yellow bell pepper - 1
• Orange bell pepper - 1
• Red bell pepper - 1
• Optionally can add 1/2 a red onion

Others:

• Olive oil - 4 tsp
• Salt - 1 and 1/2 tsp

For Ricotta filling:

• Whole milk ricotta cheese - 1 cup
• Salt - 1/4 tsp + pinch more
• Black pepper - 1/4 tsp
• Ground nutmeg - 1/4 tsp
• Fresh basil - 4 to 5 leaves, chopped

For Lasagna:

• Lasagna noodles of choice - 9 noodles (just make sure they're not the no-boil kind since this recipe doesn't have a liquid sauce)
• Vegetarian mozzarella or any other cheese of choice - 3 cups
• Vegetarian parmesan - 2 tbsp for garnish
• Water for boiling

For Pesto:

• Fresh basil - 3 cups, loosely packed
• Walnuts - 1/2 cup
• Vegetarian parmesan or mozzarella or pepper jack cheese - 1/4 cup
• Olive oil - 2 tbsp
• Salt - 1/4 to 1/2 tsp
• Black pepper - 1/2 tsp
• Water - 1 tbsp (optional, but I like to use this for a skinny version of pesto)

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

1. Finely dice all the vegetables. It's important to keep the pieces small so it's easier to eat the lasagna later on :)

Step 2: Make the Ricotta Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, add the ricotta cheese and mix until smooth and creamy
2. Add salt, pepper, nutmeg and chopped basil and mix until incorporated. Set aside to use during assembly

Step 3: Make the Ratatouille

1. On medium-low heat, add olive oil to a large saute pan. Once hot, add in all the herbs and saute until they turn aromatic
2. If using onion, add them now and saute for 5 minutes until they turn translucent.
3. Also give the kale a head start by adding it in next and sauteing for 2 to 3 minutes uncovered
4. Next add all the diced vegetables and salt. Mix well to combine and cook covered for about 10-12 minutes. I like to keep adding the condensation on the lid back into the pan to help the veggies cook
5. It's better to almost overcook the veggies so it's easier to use during assembly and eating

Step 4: Prep Noodles

Boil lasagna noodles according to the instructions on the box

Note: This recipe is suitable for pre-boiled lasagna noodles. The no-boil ones require a more liquid sauce.

Step 5: Make Pesto

1. To a blender, add walnuts and blend to a fine powder
2. Then add salt, pepper and cheese and blend again until incorporated
3. Chop basil and add to the blender along with the olive oil. Blend until combined
4. Optionally you can add water to help with the blending instead of oil to make a skinny version of pesto that's equally aromatic and delicious!

Step 6: Assemble the Lasagna and Bake It!

Now, the ratatouille we made is the sauce. It's going to replace the tomato sauce that we would use in a traditional lasagna :) Make sure the cheese you use has non-animal rennet or non-animal enzymes :)

1. Start by adding a light layer of ratatouille to a lightly oiled 9x13 baking dish
2. Add 3 lasagna noodles and spread half of the ricotta filling on top of them
3. Add a generous amount of ratatouille on top
4. Sprinkle as much or as little cheese as you like :)
5. Repeat with the next 3 noodles to form another layer. Finish the ricotta filling here (you won't need it for the 3rd layer)
6. Finally, place the remaining 3 noodles. But this time, spread pesto on the noodles with a spoon or by hand. Again use as much or as little as you like! :)
7. Finally, top with some vegetarian parmesan cheese (make sure it doesn't have animal rennet)
8. Preheat oven to 350F and bake the lasagna for 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted and turned slightly brown
9. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving
10. Bon Appetit!