Vegetarian
Vegetarian Lasagna
On December 14, 2023 by userVegetarian lasagna is a delicious and satisfying dish that features layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy béchamel, and a variety of vegetables. Here’s a simple recipe for you:
Ingredients:
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for added richness)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (preferably warm)
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Other Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 package (about 10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. If using, add tomato paste and sugar. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously to form a roux.
- Gradually add warm milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce until it thickens.
- Season with nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased baking dish, spread a small amount of tomato sauce on the bottom.
- Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread a portion of the tomato sauce, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce.
- Add a layer of ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and half of the spinach. Place sliced zucchini and bell pepper evenly.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of tomato sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the lasagna rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious vegetarian lasagna!
Feel free to customize the vegetable fillings or add additional herbs for extra flavor. This recipe can be adapted to suit your preferences.