Ingredients:

  • 2 medium eggplants (about 1.5 lbs / 680g total), peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 2 medium zucchini (about 1 lb / 450g total), sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 large yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce / 800g) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 tablespoons (½ stick / 57g) unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720ml) whole milk, warmed
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup (25g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

  1. Salt eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse and pat dry. Toss zucchini slices with salt and let sit 15 minutes. Pat dry.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Sauté onion and bell peppers until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in warmed milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly, until thickened. Stir in nutmeg, salt, and white pepper.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Layer eggplant, zucchini, and tomato sauce, alternating layers. Pour béchamel sauce evenly over the vegetables.
  6. Combine Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and parsley. Sprinkle evenly over the gratin.
  7. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the gratin is golden brown and bubbling.
  8. Let the gratin rest for 10 minutes before serving.