Description
Layers of Italian comfort shine in this mouthwatering Eggplant Lasagna, blending rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and tender roasted eggplant. Mediterranean flavors meld perfectly, inviting you to savor each comforting, cheesy bite of this classic Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Liquid:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Olive oil, for brushing
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the eggplant by slicing and brushing with olive oil. Roast at 375F (190C) for 15-20 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Create a creamy cheese blend by mixing ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped basil, oregano, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until well combined.
- Construct the first layer in a baking dish by spreading a thin marinara sauce base, then carefully arranging roasted eggplant slices to cover completely.
- Generously spread the prepared cheese mixture over the eggplant layer, ensuring even coverage.
- Pour additional marinara sauce to cover the cheese layer, creating a rich and moist foundation.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining eggplant, cheese mixture, and marinara sauce, finishing with a final topping of mozzarella cheese.
- Place the assembled lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges become bubbly.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- Slice and serve warm, garnishing with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- Customize the cheese blend by mixing in nutritional yeast for a vegan version or swapping ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter texture.
- Slice eggplant uniformly to ensure even roasting and prevent uneven cooking throughout the lasagna layers.
- Pat eggplant slices dry with paper towels before roasting to remove excess moisture and achieve a crispier, more concentrated flavor.
- Sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil on top after baking to add a bright, fresh dimension to the dish and enhance its visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 362 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 58 mg