Eggplant Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 eggplants
), about 1 ½ pounds
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 15-oz tub part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cup park-skim mozzarella cheese
divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
divided
- 3 garlic cloves
minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 10 oz frozen spinach
), thawed and fully dried (wring out all the water
- 1 cup packed chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup packed chopped fresh basil
⅔ ounce
- Black pepper to your liking
- 2 cups prepared pasta sauce of choice
Directions
- 1
Season the eggplant slices on both sides with kosher salt and set aside for 20 to 30 minutes (if you don't have the time, this step can be optional).
- 2
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and position a rack in the middle.
- 3
Wipe the eggplant slices very well with a paper towel (you want to dry it well and remove any excess salt), then arrange on lightly oiled baking sheet (or two if needed). Brush the top of the eggplant with extra virgin olive oil. Roast in the heated oven until the eggplant softens and becomes pliable (about 15 to 20 minutes or so).
- 4
While the eggplant is roasting, prepare the ricotta filling. In a mixing bowl, beat the egg. Add the ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, ¼ Parmesan, garlic, oregano, spinach and chopped herbs. Add a small pinch of kosher salt and black pepper to your liking. Mix well to combine.
- 5
Remove the eggplant from the oven. Lower the heat to 375 degrees F.
- 6
Prepare a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Pour a bit of the pasta sauce (about ½ cup or so) and spread it out into one layer. Lay a few eggplant slices (anywhere from 4 to 6 and it’s fine if they overlap a bit). Spread 1/2 of the ricotta filling, then spread a thin layer of the sauce. Repeat the process in the same pattern. Spread the final layer of sauce and follow with the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of Parmesan.
- 7
Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake in the heated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, then carefully uncover and return to the oven. Bake for another 10 to 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the edges of the lasagna turn a nice golden brown.
- 8
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Eggplant Lasagna Recipe
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About this Recipe
Craving the rich, comforting taste of lasagna without the noodles? This Eggplant Lasagna Recipe delivers all those satisfying flavors, offering a hearty vegetarian dinner that feels both indulgent and wholesome. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a classic comfort food while embracing a vegetable-forward approach.
Why This Eggplant Lasagna Shines
The magic lies in using beautifully roasted eggplant slices as a flavorful foundation, perfectly replacing traditional pasta sheets. This technique not only keeps the dish lighter but also infuses a subtle earthy sweetness. Each layer is generously filled with a creamy, rich blend of part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, expertly combined with nutrient-dense spinach, fragrant minced garlic, and a vibrant medley of fresh herbs like parsley and basil. This thoughtful combination creates a symphony of textures and tastes, all tied together with your favorite red pasta sauce for a truly memorable meal.
What to Expect from This Delightful Dish
Prepare for a truly satisfying and deeply comforting meal. You'll find tender, savory roasted eggplant providing a delightful counterpoint to the rich, cheesy filling that bursts with the freshness of spinach and aromatic herbs. The carefully chosen part-skim cheeses ensure a hearty yet balanced flavor profile, while the hint of dried oregano and abundant fresh basil adds a classic Italian depth that makes this dish sing. Expect a lasagna that’s robust enough to stand alone as a main course, delivering a comforting and satisfying experience that will leave you feeling fully nourished, without any of the heavy feeling often associated with traditional versions.
Customization & Simple Variations
While this Eggplant Lasagna is crafted for deliciousness as written, you have freedom with your prepared pasta sauce of choice to match your family's preference, from a rustic marinara to a zesty arrabbiata. You can also easily adjust the amount of black pepper to your liking, ensuring every layer sings with flavor perfectly suited to your palate.
Serving Suggestions
This impressive yet approachable Eggplant Lasagna is ideal for a comforting family dinner, a weeknight meal, or even as a delightful potluck contribution. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a complete and utterly satisfying vegetarian meal, with two generous pieces per person making a perfect portion.