Description
Savory cheesy spinach-zucchini lasagna brings layers of Mediterranean comfort to your dinner table. Rich flavors and fresh ingredients create a satisfying meal that welcomes you to enjoy each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into 0.5 cm (1/8-inch) strips
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 9 lasagna noodles (or use more zucchini strips for a low-carb version)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp salt (for removing excess moisture)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Moisture Extraction: Slice zucchini into delicate ribbons and arrange on paper towels, generously salting each layer to draw out excess water, then let rest for 15 minutes to prevent soggy consistency.
- Preparation: Tenderly pat zucchini slices with fresh paper towels to eliminate remaining moisture, creating a structured vegetable foundation.
- Oven Readiness: Calibrate oven to the designated temperature and lightly lubricate a baking vessel with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Spinach Blend: Craft a luscious spinach amalgamation by merging fresh spinach leaves with ricotta, parmesan, garlic, and black pepper, creating a vibrant, herbaceous mixture.
- Layering Technique: Initiate the assembly by distributing a gossamer marinara base, then strategically layer zucchini ribbons, spinach-cheese fusion, and mozzarella, ensuring comprehensive coverage and even distribution.
- Cheese Crescendo: Crown the final stratum with an abundant mozzarella blanket and parmesan dusting, promising a golden, crisp cheese carapace.
- Baking Protocol: Envelop the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake until cheese liquefies and edges transform into bubbling, bronzed perfection.
- Finishing Touch: Unveil the foil during the concluding baking moments to achieve a pristine, crisp surface.
- Resting Phase: Allow the lasagna a 10-15 minute reprieve post-oven, enabling layers to harmonize and simplifying precise portioning.
Notes
- Manage Moisture Carefully: Use salt technique to draw out excess water from zucchini, preventing a soggy lasagna that can ruin the dish’s texture and structural integrity.
- Optimize Layering Technique: Create even, consistent layers by spreading ingredients to the dish’s edges, ensuring each bite contains a balanced mix of zucchini, spinach, and cheese.
- Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, fresh mozzarella and parmesan for rich flavor and optimal melting properties that contribute to a creamy, indulgent lasagna.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow lasagna to sit for 10-15 minutes post-baking, which helps layers stabilize and makes slicing cleaner and more precise without falling apart.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg