Vegetarian Lasagna
The ultimate comfort food, Vegetarian Lasagna is layered with luscious noodles, savory vegetables, and a blend of cheeses that create a creamy, satisfying dish. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe will have your family and friends coming back for more. Make it tonight and enjoy the deliciousness!
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Mixing Bowl
- Frying Pan
- Chef's Knife
- Large Pot
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
Ingredients
- 12 pieces lasagna noodles
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrot, chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 medium zucchini, chopped
- 2 tbsp basil leaves, chopped
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp ground pepper
- 1/2 tsp crushed red chili
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasonings
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 pieces eggs
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 3 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms up, grab a 9 by 13 inch casserole dish and grease it well. This will ensure your lasagna won’t stick, making serving much easier.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and a good pinch of salt to the water. Once it’s bubbling, carefully add the lasagna noodles and cook them according to the package instructions. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the noodles and set them aside; you don’t want them to stick together!
- In a wide pan, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Next, add the remaining vegetables: carrots, bell pepper, and zucchini. Stir them in and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until they’re tender but still vibrant. This is the moment where the kitchen starts to smell heavenly!
- Now, sprinkle in the crushed red chili, ground pepper, dried Italian seasonings, basil leaves, and some salt. Stir well to distribute the spices. Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes and let everything simmer together on medium-low heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- While the sauce is simmering, prepare your cheese mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, a pinch of salt, and some pepper. Mix it until everything is well incorporated.
- To assemble, start by spooning about a quarter cup of the vegetable sauce mixture into the bottom of your greased baking dish. This will prevent the noodles from sticking.
- Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Then, add a third of the vegetable sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture. Don’t forget to sprinkle a layer of shredded parmesan and mozzarella cheese on top!
- Repeat these layers: noodles, sauce, ricotta mixture, and cheeses until you’ve used up all your ingredients, finishing with a final layer of noodles topped with the remaining vegetable sauce and a generous amount of cheese.
- Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake the lasagna for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes to allow the top to get golden brown and bubbly.
- For the final touch, switch to broil for about 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. This step gives your Vegetarian Lasagna that perfect crusty golden top.
- Once done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice into squares and serve warm, perhaps with a side salad and some crusty bread to complete the meal.
Notes
- Tip 1: The lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Tip 2: You can freeze this Vegetarian Lasagna before or after baking. Just cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Tip 3: Serve this dish with a crisp garden salad or garlic bread to balance the richness of the lasagna.
- Tip 4: Experiment with other vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for added flavor and nutrients.
- Tip 5: Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or oregano to the cheese mixture for an extra burst of flavor.