Description
This Eggplant Lasagna recipe is a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Layers of roasted eggplant, flavorful spinach filling, creamy ricotta mixture, and gooey cheese are stacked high to create a satisfying meal for any occasion. Topped with a vibrant Arugula Almond Pesto, this dish is sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients
Eggplant:
- 3 large eggplants (about 3 lbs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, spray olive oil, or ghee
Spinach Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 4-8 garlic cloves, rough chopped
- 6 ounces baby spinach, about 2 extra-large handfuls
- Salt and pepper to taste (1/4 teaspoon each)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Ricotta Mixture:
- 16-ounce tub of whole milk ricotta (or sub tofu ricotta)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chopped basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 24-ounce jar marinara sauce, about 3 cups
- 8 no-boil lasagna noodles (or sub gluten-free lasagna noodles)
- 1-1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella (or meltable vegan cheese)
- 1/4-1/3 cup pecorino (or parm)
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Arugula Almond Pesto Ingredients: 1 large garlic clove, 1/4 cup toasted almonds, pinenuts, or smoked almonds, 1/2 cup packed basil leaves, 1 cup packed arugula, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1/3-1/2 cup light flavored olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon cracked pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F
Slice eggplant into 1/2-inch thick slices, sprinkle with salt, let sit for 15-20 minutes. Roast in the oven with olive oil until golden and tender.
- Make Spinach Filling:
Saute onion, garlic, add spinach, season, and set aside.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture:
Whisk ricotta, egg, nutmeg, basil, and salt.
- Assemble Lasagna:
Layer marinara, noodles, eggplant, ricotta mixture, spinach, cheese, and repeat. Top with chili flakes.
- Bake:
Cover and bake at 375 F, uncover and bake until golden and bubbling.
- Make Arugula Pesto:
Combine all pesto ingredients in a food processor.
- Serve:
Let lasagna rest before serving, top with Arugula Pesto.
Notes
- Feel free to add ground meat or mushrooms for additional flavor.
- For a low-carb version, omit lasagna sheets and use extra eggplant.
- Vegan option: Substitute Tofu Ricotta and vegan cheese.
- If using sugar-free marinara, add a touch of maple syrup for balance.
- To reheat, bake covered at 350-375 F or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8th without pesto
- Calories: 371
- Sugar: 9.5 g
- Sodium: 722.7 mg
- Fat: 19.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 8.4 g
- Protein: 16.8 g
- Cholesterol: 70.7 mg