Baked ricotta with caponata

I often make this when asked to ‘bring a plate’. It’s slightly unexpected and travels well, making it the perfect addition to the groaning table of salads and dips. The rich, salty-sweet flavours of the caponata are well suited to the milky simplicity of the ricotta, and the fresh oregano is a perfect accompaniment to anything with tomato. Spoon the caponata over just before serving, to keep the ricotta looking fresh.

If you don’t have time to make the caponata, then the ricotta can