Ultimate Veggie Lasagna: A Hearty and Healthy Delight

on

 

Veggie Lasagna Recipe

Introduction

Veggie lasagna is a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking to enjoy a meat-free meal. Packed with layers of vegetables, creamy ricotta cheese, and savory marinara sauce, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying. This recipe will guide you through each step to create a mouth-watering veggie lasagna that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Vegetables:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large zucchini, diced
  • 1 large yellow squash, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Sauce:

  • 4 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

For the Cheese Mixture:

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Lasagna:

  • 12 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
  4. Add the diced zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
  5. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped spinach. Cook until the mushrooms are soft and the spinach is wilted.
  6. Season with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
  7. Remove the skillet from heat and set the vegetables aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, sugar, and tomato paste.
  2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. Once the sauce starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  4. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped fresh basil, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Mix until well combined and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Spread a thin layer of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  3. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
  4. Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
  5. Add a layer of the sautéed vegetables on top of the ricotta cheese mixture.
  6. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the vegetables.
  7. Repeat the layers: sauce, noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, vegetables, and mozzarella cheese, until you’ve used all the ingredients. Make sure to end with a layer of sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella cheese.
  8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

  1. Bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
  3. Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Garnish the lasagna with fresh basil leaves before slicing and serving.
  2. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade veggie lasagna!

Tips for Success

  • Vegetable Variations: Feel free to use any vegetables you prefer or have on hand. Eggplant, carrots, and broccoli are great additions to this lasagna.
  • Cheese Alternatives: For a different flavor, try using a blend of cheeses such as fontina, gouda, or provolone along with mozzarella.
  • Make Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
  • Freezing: This lasagna freezes well. Simply wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.

Enjoy this veggie lasagna as a comforting meal any day of the week. It’s a wonderful way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while savoring a delicious and satisfying dish!



Comments

Post a Comment