Brunilda Schiavone This article details a recipe for vegetable lasagna with a creamy white sauce. The recipe provides a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian main course, ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Understanding the components and techniques involved in creating this dish ensures a consistently delicious outcome. The focus will be on achieving a perfectly balanced flavor profile and a satisfying texture. Mastering this recipe opens up possibilities for culinary creativity and experimentation.
Vegetable lasagna, particularly when incorporating a well-made white sauce, offers a lighter alternative to traditional meat-based versions while retaining richness and complexity. The white sauce acts as a crucial binding agent, unifying the layers of vegetables and pasta. Achieving a smooth, flavorful white sauce is key to the success of this dish. The recipe emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients to enhance the overall taste and nutritional value. Careful layering techniques ensure even cooking and prevent dryness.
The creamy white sauce in this recipe is paramount; its preparation and incorporation significantly impact the final product’s texture and taste. A well-executed white sauce adds a luxurious element to the otherwise hearty vegetable layers. The method detailed ensures a sauce that is both flavorful and perfectly complements the other ingredients.
Ingredients for Vegetable Lasagna with White Sauce
- 1 pound lasagna noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 3 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, squash, spinach, mushrooms, etc.), chopped
- 2 cups white sauce (recipe follows)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions for Vegetable Lasagna with White Sauce
- Preheat oven to 375F (190C).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions.
- While noodles cook, prepare the vegetable sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley.
- In a separate bowl, gently combine the mixed vegetables with the prepared white sauce.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of vegetable sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer with cooked lasagna noodles, ricotta mixture, vegetable and white sauce mixture, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, ending with a layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Timing and Yield for Vegetable Lasagna with White Sauce
This Vegetable Lasagna with White Sauce recipe requires approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes of preparation and cooking time. The recipe yields approximately 8-10 servings. The exact cooking time may vary depending on oven temperature and the thickness of the lasagna layers. Proper timing ensures the lasagna is cooked thoroughly without drying out. This recipe is designed to be easily scalable for larger or smaller gatherings. The nutritional content per serving is detailed in the next section.
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 minutes | 30 minutes | 1 hour 15 minutes | 8-10 |
Nutritional Information for Vegetable Lasagna with White Sauce
This vegetable lasagna offers a good source of carbohydrates from the pasta and vegetables, protein from the ricotta and vegetables, and various vitamins and minerals. The nutritional content will vary slightly depending on the specific vegetables used. A detailed breakdown, including calories, fat, protein, and carbohydrates per serving, can be calculated using a nutrition calculator, inputting the specific ingredients and their quantities.
Note: Nutritional values provided are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used. It’s recommended to use a nutrition calculator for precise values based on your specific recipe ingredients.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 |
| Fat (g) | 15-20 |
| Protein (g) | 12-15 |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 45-55 |
Tips for Cooking Vegetable Lasagna with White Sauce
Careful attention to detail during preparation and cooking enhances the final product’s quality. Following these tips ensures a consistently delicious and visually appealing lasagna.
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Use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
The flavor of the lasagna depends heavily on the quality of the ingredients. Fresh vegetables will result in a brighter, more vibrant flavor profile. Using high-quality cheeses will also enhance the overall richness and creaminess of the dish.
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Don’t overcook the vegetables.
Overcooked vegetables will become mushy and lose their flavor and texture. Aim for vegetables that are tender-crisp.
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Ensure even layering.
Even layering helps ensure even cooking and prevents one section of the lasagna from becoming drier than others. Spread the layers thinly and evenly.
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Let the lasagna rest before serving.
Allowing the lasagna to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking allows the flavors to meld and the lasagna to set, making it easier to serve.
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Cover the lasagna with foil during the first part of baking.
Covering with foil during the initial baking period prevents the top layer from browning too quickly and drying out, ensuring the lasagna is cooked evenly.
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Consider adding different vegetables.
Experiment with different vegetable combinations to customize the lasagna according to your preferences and what’s in season. Roasted vegetables can add a deeper layer of flavor.
The success of this vegetable lasagna relies heavily on the quality of the white sauce and the careful layering of ingredients. The recipe’s versatility allows for customization based on individual preferences and available ingredients.
Proper preparation and cooking techniques, coupled with the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, will ensure a delicious and satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vegetable Lasagna with White Sauce
This section addresses common questions that arise during the preparation and cooking of this recipe, ensuring a smoother culinary experience.
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Can I make the lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and bake it later. Store the assembled lasagna, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time when baking from cold.
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Can I use frozen vegetables?
While fresh vegetables are recommended, you can use frozen vegetables. Be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before adding them to the sauce. Frozen vegetables might release more water during cooking, potentially making the lasagna wetter.
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What type of cheese can I substitute for the mozzarella?
Other melting cheeses like provolone or Fontina can be substituted for mozzarella. Consider cheeses that have a similar melting point and flavor profile for the best results.
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How can I prevent the lasagna from becoming dry?
Ensure the white sauce is creamy and generously coats the vegetables. Adding a little extra tomato sauce or even a touch of milk or cream can add moisture. Also, make sure the lasagna noodles are fully cooked and not over-baked.
This recipe offers a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian option for a comforting and delicious meal. The recipes adaptability allows for creative exploration and personal customization.
The combination of vegetables and creamy white sauce creates a balanced and satisfying dish, perfect for a wide range of palates.
In conclusion, mastering this vegetable lasagna recipe, with its emphasis on a well-crafted white sauce, elevates a classic dish to a new level of flavor and satisfaction.