Courgette Tomato And Ricotta Bake Recipes

COURGETTE, TOMATO AND RICOTTA BAKE

Steps:

• Set the oven at 180C/gas mark 4. Remove the stalks from the courgettes then slice them down their length into strips as thick as a pound coin. Brush them lightly with olive oil and grill them on both sides until tender. Remove and season with salt and black pepper and, if you wish, a little more oil. Chop the spring onions and soften them in a little oil in a shallow pan. Roughly chop the tomatoes, tip them in with the onions, and leave to simmer down to a soft, slushy sauce. Season with black pepper and the basil leaves. Layer the tomato sauce and the courgettes in a shallow baking dish, crumbling in the ricotta as you go. Trickle with olive oil and bake till the tomato sauce is bubbling. Source: http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/aug/16/nigel-slater-courgette

CHERRY TOMATO & RICOTTA CAVATAPPI

Steps:

• Heat the grill to its highest setting and bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat and fry the garlic for 30 secs until sizzling. Add the tomatoes, then swill out the cans with a splash of water and add this, too. Season well and simmer for 15 mins to reduce slightly. When the water is boiling, stir in the cavatappi and cook for 1 min less than pack instructions.
• Meanwhile, combine the ricotta, double cream and a grating of nutmeg in a bowl, then season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Taste the tomato sauce for seasoning, then drain the cavatappi and add to the sauce along with the basil. Stir to combine. Tip half the pasta mixture into the base of a medium ovenproof dish, then dollop over half the ricotta mixture. Pour the rest of the pasta mixture on top, then spoon over the rest of the ricotta mixture. Don't worry about making it look too neat - you want large pockets of the creamy ricotta mixture throughout the bake.
• Sprinkle over the parmesan, then slide under the hot grill for 5 mins, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling. Serve immediately with crusty bread for mopping up the bowls.

ZUCCHINI RICOTTA BAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Cut zucchini lengthwise into 1/4-in. slices. Place in a basket over 1 in. of boiling water. Cover and steam until just tender, 5-6 minutes. Drain; pat dry. , In a large bowl, combine ricotta, egg substitute, 3 tablespoons bread crumbs, 3 tablespoons Parmesan, parsley, oregano, basil and pepper; set aside. , Spread a third of the spaghetti sauce in a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons bread crumbs. Cover with half of the zucchini, ricotta mixture and mozzarella. Repeat layers of sauce, zucchini, ricotta mixture and mozzarella. Cover with remaining sauce., Combine remaining crumbs and Parmesan; sprinkle over top. Cover and bake 45 minutes. Uncover; bake until golden brown, 15 minutes longer. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting.

BAKED COURGETTE & TOMATO GRATIN

Steps:

• Sprinkle the courgettes with a pinch of sea salt flakes and lay them on a plate with another plate on top. Put a weight or tin on top to help push out the liquid.
• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick frying pan and add the tomatoes and garlic. Cook over a medium heat, stirring, for 5 mins until thickened. Tear in the basil, if using, and season.
• Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 and oil a roasting dish. Combine the flours in a bowl. Pour away the water from the courgette. Dip the courgette slices into the egg, then into the flour, and arrange in a layer over the bottom of the dish. Top with a few slices of mozzarella, followed by a layer of the tomato sauce, and repeat with another layer of courgette, mozzarella and sauce. Toss the cheese and breadcrumbs together, then scatter over the top.
• Drizzle with a little more olive oil, and bake for 40-45 mins until golden and bubbling. Serve with a herby red onion salad and some bread to mop it up, if you like. Can be frozen for up to two months.

RICOTTA AND TOMATO SPREAD

Steps:

• Combine the sun-dried tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, garlic and basil in a food processor. Blend to a smooth puree and season to taste.
• Place the ricotta in a mound in a large round plate. Spoon the tomato mixture around the edge. Garnish the cheese with a sprig of basil.