Lasagna With Ricotta and Tomato Sauce
A Delicious Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe
If you’re searching for a vegetarian lasagna recipe that’s bursting with flavors, look no further than this delightful creation adapted from the Dean & Deluca cookbook. Featuring layers of tender noodles, creamy ricotta, and rich tomato sauce, this lasagna is perfect for feeding a crowd. While it makes a generous amount, don’t expect many leftovers – it’s just that good! Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this lasagna is sure to impress.
Total Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes
- Prep Time: 40 Minutes
- Cook Time: 30 Minutes
- Servings: 8
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/3 cup | Olive oil |
| 3 | Yellow onions, finely chopped |
| 3 cans (28 oz) | Plum tomatoes, preferably San Marzano, with juices |
| 1 tsp | Kosher salt |
| 1 tsp | Fresh ground black pepper |
| 2 cups | Ricotta cheese |
| 1 large | Egg |
| 2 tbsp | Parmesan cheese, freshly grated |
| 1/2 cup | Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (for topping) |
| 1/4 cup | Fresh basil, chopped |
| 1/8 tsp | Ground nutmeg |
| 3 tbsp | Butter, for greasing pan |
| 18 sheets | Lasagna noodles, pre-cooked according to package directions |
| 3 cups | Mozzarella cheese, shredded |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 514.9 |
| Fat Content | 37.4g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 18.2g |
| Cholesterol Content | 120.6mg |
| Sodium Content | 1450.3mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 21.1g |
| Fiber Content | 4.5g |
| Sugar Content | 11.2g |
| Protein Content | 26.4g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
Heat 1/3 cup of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the 3 finely chopped yellow onions. Stir and cover the pan. Cook the onions for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent. -
Puree the Tomatoes:
Using a food mill, puree the 3 cans of plum tomatoes directly into the saucepan with the onions. If you don’t have a food mill, you can crush the tomatoes by hand or pulse them lightly in a blender. Add 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Allow the sauce to cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should reduce to approximately 4 1/2 cups. -
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil, the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Stir everything together until well combined. Set aside. -
Prepare the Baking Pan:
Generously butter the bottom and sides of a 13×9-inch baking dish with 3 tablespoons of butter. This will prevent the lasagna from sticking and add a nice richness to the dish. -
Assemble the Lasagna Layers:
Spread 3/4 cup of the prepared tomato sauce on the bottom of the buttered baking dish.- Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, overlapping them slightly.
- Spread a heaping 1/3 cup of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Pour 3/4 cup of tomato sauce on top of the ricotta layer, then sprinkle a heaping 1/3 cup of shredded mozzarella.
Repeat these layers 4 more times, ensuring each layer has an even distribution of ingredients.
-
Top the Lasagna:
After completing the layers, place the last 3 lasagna noodles on top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer. -
Optional: Make Ahead Tip
You can assemble this lasagna up to 2 days in advance. Simply cover it and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, bring the lasagna to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. -
Bake the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the lasagna on the top shelf of the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown on top. -
Rest and Serve:
Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven and allow it to sit for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
Serving Suggestions:
This lasagna is delightful on its own, but you can elevate your meal by serving it alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Add a slice of warm garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce, and for a well-rounded dinner, pair the meal with a glass of your favorite wine.
Make It Your Own:
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to suit your tastes. You can add sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables between the layers for extra texture and flavor. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for a hint of heat.
This vegetarian lasagna is a comforting, filling dish that everyone at the table will love. Perfect for family dinners or even special occasions, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation. Enjoy!
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