Three-Cheese Zucchini Lasagna
Looking for a gluten-free dinner that satisfies your Italian food craving? This zucchini lasagna is so perfect that you won't even miss the noodles.
A staff favorite, this lasagna is delicious as is, but it can also be customized to your taste: Use thinly sliced eggplant in place of some or all of the zucchini; add cooked ground beef, turkey or pork to the sauce; or use a spicy sauce, such as arrabiata, or add red pepper flakes for some heat.
Terrific Tomato
The tomato sauce in this hearty dish adds serious health benefits: Studies suggest that consuming foods rich in lycopene, a carotenoid found in the skin of the tomato peel and the ripened fruit, may reduce the risk of cancer as well as cardiovascular disease.
Ingredients
- 3 large zucchini, trimmed and sliced lengthwise into 1/8-inch-thick slices using a mandoline or sharp knife
½ tsp sea salt, divided
1½ cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil + additional for garnish
¼ tsp ground black pepper
2 cups jarred marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Preparation
1. Place a rack in second-highest position in oven; preheat broiler to high. Working in three batches, arrange zucchini on a baking sheet, mist with cooking spray and sprinkle with 1/8 tsp salt per batch. Broil until tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a large paper towel–lined plate.
2. Preheat oven to 375ºF. In a medium bowl, fold together ricotta, Parmesan, egg, basil, pepper and remaining 1/8 tsp salt. Spread ½ cup marinara over bottom of a 7 x 11-inch baking dish. Place a layer of zucchini over sauce. Carefully spread 2/3 cup ricotta mixture over zucchini; sprinkle with ½ cup mozzarella. Repeat twice, then top with a final layer of zucchini and ½ cup marinara. (You’ll have ½ cup mozzarella left; keep it in the refrigerator.)
3. Cover baking dish with foil; bake 20 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with reserved ½ cup mozzarella and bake 20 minutes more, until cheese on top has melted and lasagna is bubbling. Let cool, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving. To serve, cut pieces, place in a baking dish and bake at 350ºF for 10 to 15 minutes to warm through. You may see some water surrounding the pieces after baking; simply lift pieces out with a spatula and discard liquid. Garnish with additional basil before serving.
Note about duration: Plus 4 hours chilling time.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size 1/8 of recipe
- Calories 253
- Carbohydrate Content 12 g
- Cholesterol Content 75 mg
- Fat Content 16 g
- Fiber Content 2 g
- Protein Content 16 g
- Saturated Fat Content 9 g
- Sodium Content 734 mg
- Sugar Content 6 g
- Monounsaturated Fat Content 5 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat Content 1 g