Healthier Lasagna Recipe Incorporates Vegetables and Lighter Cheeses
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Nutritionist Efrat Lichtenstadt presents a lasagna recipe that boosts nutritional value by adding vegetables like mushrooms and spinach, and using reduced-fat cheeses. The dish retains classic flavors while offering a healthier option for balanced eating. The recipe includes detailed instructions for preparation, baking, and make-ahead options.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A nutritionist has developed a lasagna recipe that enhances nutritional value with added vegetables and lighter cheeses.
- The recipe incorporates sautéed mushrooms into the tomato sauce and spinach and parsley into the ricotta layer.
- Reduced-fat cheeses and whole wheat pasta sheets are suggested to lower fat and increase fiber content.
- The preparation involves layering pasta, spinach-ricotta mixture, and mushroom-marinara sauce before baking.
- The lasagna is baked until golden brown and requires a 15-minute resting period before serving.
A nutritionist, Efrat Lichtenstadt, offers a recipe for lasagna that enhances its nutritional value without compromising its beloved taste and texture. She emphasizes that not every dish needs to be healthier, but some favorites can be improved for more frequent enjoyment within a balanced diet. This lasagna recipe includes all the classic elements: pasta layers, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheeses.
The recipe boosts vegetable content by adding a generous amount of sautéed mushrooms to the tomato sauce for depth and texture, and incorporating spinach and parsley into the ricotta cheese layer. To reduce saturated fat, it suggests using moderate amounts of reduced-fat ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Whole wheat lasagna sheets are recommended for added fiber and a subtle nutty flavor, though regular sheets can be substituted.
The preparation involves sautéing mushrooms and garlic, then combining them with marinara sauce. A mixture of well-drained frozen spinach, ricotta, parsley, Parmesan, and a beaten egg forms the creamy layer. The lasagna is assembled with layers of pasta, the spinach-ricotta mixture, mushroom-marinara sauce, and topped with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan. It is baked covered for 35-40 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown, followed by a 15-minute rest before serving. The recipe also provides instructions for make-ahead preparation and freezing.
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