Healthy Vegetarian Lasagna

Looking for a delicious and healthy vegetarian lasagna recipe? This hearty dish is perfect for both dinner parties and casual gatherings, providing a satisfying meal that everyone will love. With layers of tender pasta sheets, creamy spinach and mushroom sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese, this vegetarian lasagna is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Prep Time: 40 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours | Servings: 6-8 people

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 sheets of lasagna noodles (uncooked)
• 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped finely
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, shredded
• 2 zucchini, diced small
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cups tomato sauce (homemade or canned)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Steps:

1. Cook the lasagna noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the uncooked lasagna sheets and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain thoroughly once cooked.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pan, sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, zucchini, and mushrooms in olive oil over medium heat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
3. Combine vegetable mixture with tomato sauce: Add the cooked vegetables to your tomato sauce. Stir together gently. Season generously with salt and pepper.
4. Mix ricotta cheese and spinach: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with finely chopped spinach until well combined.
5. Cook layers in lasagna dish: Spread half of the tomato-spinach mixture on the bottom of your 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer three sheets of cooked noodles over it. Pour half of the remaining sauce mix and sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over this layer.
6. Add the ricotta-spinach mixture: Spread one-third of the ricotta-spinach mixture evenly on top of the layers, followed by another three sheets of cooked noodles. Repeat these steps two more times – tomato sauce, noodles, and then the last third of the ricotta-spinach mixture.
7. Toppings: Finish with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan on top. You can also add fresh basil leaves for garnish if desired.
8. Bake lasagna: Place your assembled dish in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake it for about 45 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Lasagna:

• Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente to maintain its texture throughout the layers of the lasagna.
• The spinach should be finely chopped, and it's best if wilted slightly before mixing with the ricotta cheese. This will help in achieving a smoother consistency.
• For even better results, you can let your lasagna sit overnight in the refrigerator for an hour or so before baking. The flavors will meld together nicely to give you a more delicious dish when served.

Conclusion:

This vegetarian lasagna is not just a feast for your taste buds but also a nutritious meal packed with vegetables, protein, and heart-healthy ingredients. Whether you're preparing it for a family gathering or simply as an everyday dinner, this recipe will delight everyone at the table. It’s versatile enough to be adapted based on what fresh vegetables are available in your pantry.

Enjoy making and serving this delicious vegetarian lasagna! You’ll find that the effort is well worth it when you taste the flavors of this comforting Italian dish.