Smoky Bean Ricotta Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Set your oven to 200°C (or 180°C for a fan oven, gas mark 6). This will ensure it’s hot enough for baking.

2. Gather Your Ingredients:

   • Make sure you have the following ready:
     • 2 tablespoons olive oil
     • 3 crushed garlic cloves
     • 2 tablespoons tomato purée
     • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
     • 200ml vegetable stock
     • A small handful of thyme sprigs
     • 350g roasted vegetables
     • 700g jar of drained and rinsed white beans
     • 250g ricotta

3. Mix the Base:

   • In a roasting tin, pour in half of the olive oil (1 tablespoon).
   • Add the crushed garlic and stir it in.
   • Mix in 2 tablespoons of tomato purée and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
   • Pour in 200ml of vegetable stock and add the thyme sprigs. Stir everything together until well combined.

4. Add Vegetables and Beans:

   • Gently stir in the 350g of roasted vegetables and 700g jar of drained white beans. Make sure they’re evenly coated with the mixture.

5. Add Ricotta:

   • Carefully place the 250g of ricotta in the center of the mixture. You can spoon it out in dollops to make it easier.
   • Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the ricotta.

Step 2: Roast and Serve

1. Season the Mixture:

   • Sprinkle salt and pepper over the entire dish to taste. Mix gently if needed.

2. Roast in the Oven:

   • Place the roasting tin in the preheated oven.
   • Roast for 30-35 minutes. Check after 25 minutes. You want the dish to be reduced and golden on top.

3. Prepare to Serve:

   • While it’s roasting, you can prepare a green salad with a lemony dressing (just mix some olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper).
   • Slice some crusty bread for dipping.

4. Enjoy Your Dish:

   • Once the traybake is golden and bubbling, carefully remove it from the oven.
   • Serve hot, spooning out the mixture onto plates with a generous dollop of ricotta and crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Enjoy your flavorful Smoky Bean Ricotta Bake! Let me know if you have any questions!