Italian Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many. This vegetarian version is just as delicious as the original and packed with nutritious vegetables. With a rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and tender pasta layers, this lasagna is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 large eggplant, sliced into rounds
• 1 large zucchini, sliced into rounds
• 2 red bell peppers, sliced into rounds
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 28 ounces of canned diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large pan, heat a little olive oil and cook the eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers until they are soft, about 10 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, cook the onion and garlic until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the canned tomatoes, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pan and bring to a simmer.
6. In the pan add marinara sauce and stir to combine.
7. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a little of the tomato sauce on the bottom.
8. Place 3 cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, then layer with some of the eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and mozzarella cheese.
9. Repeat the layering until all of the ingredients have been used.
10. Sprinkle the top with the grated Parmesan cheese.
11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 25 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 minutes, or until the cheese becomes bubbly.

Recipe Tips

Here are some tips to make your Italian Vegetarian Lasagna even better:

1. Use fresh herbs: If you have access to fresh basil, oregano, and thyme, use them instead of dried herbs for a brighter and more intense flavor.
2. Use homemade marinara sauce: If you have time, consider making your own marinara sauce for an even richer flavor.
3. Add more veggies: Feel free to add more veggies to this dish to make it even healthier. Some great options include mushrooms, spinach, or carrots.
4. Experiment with different cheeses: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, feel free to experiment with different cheeses to find what you like best.
5. Use a mandoline slicer: If you have one, use a mandoline slicer to make slicing the eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers a breeze.
6. Let it cool: Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to cut into neat portions.
7. Freeze leftovers: If you have leftovers, consider freezing them for a quick and easy meal in the future. Simply defrost, reheat, and enjoy!

Conclusion

This delicious vegetarian lasagna is the perfect comfort food for a cold evening. With its tender pasta, flavorful vegetables, and rich tomato sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and see for yourself why this classic dish has been a staple for so many generations.

FAQs

Which tomatoes are best to use in this recipe, fresh or canned?

You can use fresh tomatoes. Simply chop them and add them to the pan instead of the canned diced tomatoes.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use a different type of cheese if you prefer. Some good options include fontina, gouda, or cheddar.