Veggie Eggplant Lasagna

Veggie Eggplant Lasagna

I made this lasagna while my niece Sophia was visiting me here in South Africa. It was a really fun bonding experience being able to cook together. After making it we shared this flavorful dish with my husband Terry and friends. It was a hit! This is on my keeper list of recipes that I make often. You can also make this ahead and cook it the next day.

Vegetable Noodles

2 large eggplant, peeled & sliced longwise into 1/4 inch slices
salt and pepper
baking paper

Ricotta Mixture

2 cups ricotta cheese (my homemade ricotta here)
2 eggs
3 spring (green) onions, chopped
3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup fresh parmesan, shredded

Veggie Sauce

2 onions, chopped
2-3 carrots, chopped
3 cloves garlic, crushed
4-5 medium zucchini, sliced and halved
1 red bell pepper, chopped
any leftover eggplant, chopped
1/2 Tbl. oregano
1/2 Tbl. basil
1/2 Tbl. thyme
1/2-1 tsp. red pepper flakes
300 grams/ 10 oz. frozen, chopped spinach
1 cup dry red wine
350 ml./ 12 oz. tomato sauce
1 can (390 gm.) diced tomatoes
salt & pepper
2 Tbl. oil (I use macadamia nut oil because it can endure high heat)

Preheat oven to 220 degrees C/ 425 degrees F. Line cookie sheet with baking paper and lay out eggplant slices side by side. You may need 2 trays. Season with salt and pepper. Bake 5 minutes then flip each slice over and bake 5 more mins. Remove from oven and set aside. Lower oven to 190 C/ 375F.

To make cheese mixture: blend ricotta, egg and green (spring) onions.

For veggie sauce: saute onion and carrots in the 2 Tbl. oil until it begins to soften. Add garlic, zucchini, red bell pepper and leftover eggplant, if any. Cook about 5 minutes till softened. Add spinach, tomatoes, spices and wine. Simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes until all the vegetables are soft and sauce has reduced a bit. Season with salt and pepper.

To Assemble: 1-Spread 1/3 of veggie sauce in bottom of 9″ x 13″ glass or stone pan. 2-Layer 1/2 eggplant slices, 1/2 ricotta mixture, 1/3 mozzarella and parmesan. 3-Repeat layers. 4-Add the last layer of sauce, then top with mozzarella and parmesan. Spray some foil with cooking oil spray and cover dish with foil, oiled sided down. Bake at 190C/375F for 1 hour. Remove foil and bake 10-15 mins more to slightly toast cheese. Let sit for about 10 mins before cutting into squares to serve.