Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe: A Flavorful Feast

Vegetarian lasagna is a beloved dish that combines the rich flavors of vegetables and pasta layered with cheese in a comforting casserole. If you're looking to enjoy a delicious meal without meat, this vegetarian version will delight your taste buds while keeping everyone happy at the table.

Ingredients for 6 servings:

• 2 packages of lasagna noodles
• 4 cups of ricotta cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon pepper, divided
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups of your favorite mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, spinach)
• 3 cups low-fat Italian-style tomato sauce

Cooking time: 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Steps to Make Vegetarian Lasagna:

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Layers

Preheat your oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for cooking the lasagna noodles until al dente, which should take about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Create the Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with three-quarters of the shredded mozzarella, one teaspoon salt, and pepper. Set this mixture aside as well.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetable Layers

Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic to sauté until translucent. Add your mixed vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach. Toss them around gently and let it cook down for about 5 minutes. Season with the remaining salt and pepper.

Step 4: Layering Your Lasagna

Start assembling the lasagna by spreading a third of the tomato sauce in an even layer on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Cover this base evenly with a third of your pasta, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Sprinkle over one-third of the mixed vegetables. Repeat these layers until you use all ingredients.

Step 5: Final Touches

Cover the top layer with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Pour any leftover tomato sauce over this last layer to ensure that everything is well-coated. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil before baking it in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour.

After one hour, uncover the lasagna and bake uncovered for another half-hour or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Tips For Success

1. Pre-cook the pasta slightly before assembling. This will help prevent overcooking when it's in the oven.
2. Use a mix of vegetables you enjoy. The key is to have a combination that works well together and complements the flavors of your tomato sauce, cheese, and pasta.
3. Ensure proper layering. A good technique involves starting with pasta for stability, followed by vegetable layers, then a thicker cheese layer. This way, each bite has balance between all components.

Enjoy your homemade vegetarian lasagna! It’s sure to be a hit among family and friends alike, making it perfect for dinner parties or casual dinners at home.