When we hear the word "lasagna", we usually imagine a delicious and hearty Italian dish filled with meat and cheese.
However, today we want to surprise you and introduce you to a vegetarian version of this classic lasagna.
The perfect combination of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs and Italian sauce will make this recipe a real discovery for lovers of vegetarian cuisine and not only.
The Importance of Vegetarian Cuisine
Today, more and more people are paying attention to their diet and choosing a vegetarian or semi-vegetarian diet.
Vegetarian cuisine offers an abundance of delicious and nutritious plant-based dishes, while also promoting environmental conservation and animal welfare.
This vegetarian lasagna recipe is a great way to try something new and stay healthy.
Preparing the ingredients
To make vegetarian lasagna you will need the following ingredients:
• 250 g leaf spinach;
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds;
• 1 eggplant, diced;
• sweet pepper, it should be chopped;
• 1 onion;
• 3 cloves of garlic, crushed;
• 400 g canned tomatoes, ideally they should be in their own juice;
• 200 g hard cheese (you can use mozzarella or parmesan);
• 250 g ricotta cheese;
• 250 g lasagna (dry or ready-made);
• fresh herbs (parsley, basil and oregano);
• spices to taste;
• olive oil for frying.
Cooking vegetables
Heat a small amount of olive oil in a large frying pan. Add the pre-cut onion and garlic, fry until soft. Then add the eggplant cubes, pepper rings and zucchini slices.
Fry the vegetables over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and lightly golden. Then add the canned tomatoes, mash them with a fork or mash them with a blender to get a thick sauce. Bring the sauce to a boil and simmer for about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Preparing the filling and baking
In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, basil and oregano). Add a little salt and pepper, mix until the filling is smooth.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium heat and cook the lasagne according to package directions. This will usually take about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse thoroughly with cold water to prevent the sheets from sticking.
Place a small amount of tomato sauce in a baking dish. Begin assembling the lasagne: Place a layer of lasagne noodles in the bottom of the baking dish, then spread half of the ricotta and herb filling, then half of the roasted vegetables.
Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients, creating layers of lasagna. The top layer should be tomato sauce.
Baking and serving
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees and place the baking tray there. Bake until the top layers are golden and crispy and the filling is browned and slightly bubbling.
When the lasagne is ready, remove it from the oven and leave it for a while to cool and stabilize. Then carefully cut into portions and serve.
Vegetarian lasagne goes perfectly with a fresh vegetable or leafy salad to add even more freshness to your meal. Serve with warm bread or a side dish of your choice.
