Lasagna is a classic Italian dish loved worldwide for its rich layers of pasta, meat, cheese, and sauce. Making lasagna at home might seem daunting, but with the right ingredients and steps, you can create a mouthwatering meal that impresses everyone. Here’s a simple guide to making homemade lasagna from scratch.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetable Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, and cook until the onions are translucent.
- Stir in the bell pepper, zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Cook the Lasagna Sheets
- If using regular lasagna Sheet, cook them according to the package instructions. Drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
- Skip this step if using oven-ready noodles.
3. Mix the Ricotta Filling
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and parsley. Mix until well blended.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of vegetable sauce on the bottom.
- Layer 3-4 lasagna noodles on top, slightly overlapping them.
- Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of vegetable sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers (noodles, ricotta, vegetable sauce, mozzarella) until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous layer of vegetable sauce and mozzarella on top.
- Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Let It Rest
- Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Read Also : How to make Cheesecake ?
Tips for Perfect Veg Lasagna
- Customize your vegetables: Use your favorite veggies like eggplant, carrots, or broccoli for added flavor and texture.
- Cheese options: Swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option or use a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Make ahead: Prepare the lasagna in advance and refrigerate or freeze it before baking. Adjust the baking time if cooking from frozen.
Enjoy your homemade veg lasagna with a side of garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete meal. Buon appetito!