Ratatouille Penne Bake

Ratatouille penne bake is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of ratatouille with penne pasta, tofu, and a hint of sesame seeds. This hearty and comforting bake is perfect for a family dinner or gathering. The dish features tender cubes of aubergine and thickly sliced courgettes, cooked until tender and mixed with a flavorful mixture of red pepper, onion, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. The tofu is marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and sesame seeds, adding a delicious savory element to the dish. The penne pasta is cooked until al dente, tossed with the vegetables and tofu, and then lightly toasted under the grill. The result is a flavorful and satisfying dish that will please both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 small aubergine
• 2 courgettes, thickly sliced
• 200g/7oz firm tofu, cubed
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
• 1 small red pepper, seeded and sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 150ml/5fl oz vegetable stock
• 3 tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and quartered
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mixed herbs
• 225g/8oz dried penne
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

PREPARATION:

1. Cut the aubergine into 2.5cm/1in cubes. Place the aubergine and courgettes in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let drain for 30 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix the tofu with the soy sauce, 1 crushed garlic clove, and sesame seeds. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes.
3. In a saucepan, combine the red pepper, onion, and remaining crushed garlic clove with the vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook for 5 minutes until tender. Remove the lid and boil until all the stock has evaporated. Add the tomatoes and mixed herbs to the pan and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
4. Thoroughly rinse the aubergine and courgettes, shaking the colander gently to remove excess water. Add them to the pepper and tomato mixture and cook until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain thoroughly.
6. Preheat the grill.
7. Toss the cooked penne pasta with the vegetable mixture and marinated tofu. Transfer to a shallow ovenproof dish.
8. Place the dish under the grill and cook until the top is lightly toasted.
9. Serve the ratatouille penne bake hot.

YIELD:

Serves 6.

Ratatouille penne bake is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of ratatouille with penne pasta, tofu, and a hint of sesame seeds. This hearty and comforting bake is perfect for a family dinner or gathering, providing a wholesome and flavorful meal.

The dish starts by cutting aubergine into cubes and slicing courgettes, which are then salted and drained to remove excess moisture. The tofu is marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and sesame seeds, adding a savory and nutty flavor to the dish.

The vegetables, including red pepper, onion, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, are cooked until tender and combined with the drained aubergine and courgettes. The penne pasta is cooked until al dente and then tossed with the vegetable mixture and marinated tofu.

The assembled dish is transferred to a shallow ovenproof dish and lightly toasted under the grill, giving it a delightful texture and golden color.

Serve this ratatouille penne bake hot, and enjoy the rich flavors and hearty combination of vegetables, pasta, and tofu. The dish is a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your meal, and it is sure to please both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.