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1
In a large bowl, toss the bread with the milk.
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2
Let soak, stirring occasionally, until moistened, about 30 minutes.
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3
In a large, deep skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil until shimmering.
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4
Add the onions and cook over moderately high heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
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5
Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
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6
Add the tomatoes and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce is thick and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 6 minutes.
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7
Stir in the olives and basil and season with salt and pepper.
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8
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil until shimmering.
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9
Add the ground lamb, season with salt and pepper and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned, about 8 minutes.
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10
Add the lamb to the tomato sauce.
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11
Wipe out the skillet.
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12
Add 2 tablespoons of the oil and heat until shimmering.
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13
Add the zucchini and bell pepper strips and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender, about 10 minutes; stir the vegetables into the tomato sauce.
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14
Wipe out the skillet again.
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15
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and heat until shimmering.
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16
Add the diced eggplant and cook over high heat, tossing frequently, until very tender and deep golden, about 8 minutes.
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17
Stir the eggplant into the tomato sauce.
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18
Preheat the oven to 350.
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19
Lightly oil a 3- to 4-quart glass or ceramic baking dish.
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20
Arrange half of the soaked olive bread in the baking dish.
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21
Spread the ratatouille evenly on top and cover with the remaining soaked olive bread.
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22
In a medium bowl, mix the eggs with the cream and add a generous pinch each of salt and pepper.
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23
Pour the custard evenly over the top layer of bread and let stand for at least 20 minutes.
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24
Bake the strata for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
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25
Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.