This is my take on the classic Pan Bagnat with step-by-step photos of how I assembled it, as shown in the recipe; this wonderfully sumptuous French Picnic Sandwich can be made WELL in advance, in fact the night before is best.
For a light entree on a summer night, this dish is just the ticket. Salting and draining the zucchini and tomatoes before baking prevents them from releasing excess moisture as they bake, so the gratin stays firm, not soggy.
Italian ragus tend to be long-simmered dishes, but a French ragout is a quicker affair, a thick, cheesy stew. Tossed over pasta, this one is a true fusion, a halfway point between ragu and ragout.
In this dish, tofu "cutlets" are dredged and sauteed as you would a chicken breast or fish fillet. Try the technique using any of your favorite pan sauces.
Gourmet meal that's on your table in 30 minutes. The result was this dish and it's superb. If you don't have fresh thyme, I'd suggest using 1/2 tsp dried in it's place. And if you cannot find Asiago cheese, Romano or Parmesan is a decent substitute.
If you love your veggies, try this slow cooker soup recipe for dinner tonight. Top with pesto and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese to give it that Italian edge.
