"Not Baked" Lasagne with Green Olives, Tomatoes and Basil Recipe
Photo: Quentin Bacon
Serves 8 to 10 as a first course, 6 as a main
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 3 pounds fresh very ripe mixed tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch dice, with all of the juices
- Salt
- 2 Tbsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup store-bought green olive paste (I like Crespi brand)
- 1 1/2 cups pitted green olives, such as Nyons
- 1 1/2 pounds lasagne noodles
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (from 2 bunches), torn in half
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
Directions
Bring 8 quarts of water to a boil in a large pasta pot.
While the water is heating, heat the oil in a 14-inch sauté pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until it is starting to color. Add the tomatoes and their juices, and cook until the liquid reduces a bit, 4 to 5 minutes. Season the tomatoes with 1 Tbsp. salt and the black pepper. Stir in the olive paste, and then add the olives. Remove the pan from the heat.
Add 2 Tbsp. salt to the boiling water. Drop the lasagne into the water and cook for 1 minute less than the package instructions indicate. Just before the pasta is done, carefully ladle 1/4 cup of the cooking water into the olive mixture.
Drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander, and add it to the sauce. Add the basil and the parsley, and toss over medium heat for about 30 seconds, until the pasta is nicely coated. Pour into a warmed serving bowl, and serve immediately.
From Molto Batali (Ecco) by Mario Batali.
More Recipes from Mario Batali
NEXT STORY
