ERIC'S

Roasting the zucchini adds a welcome layer of flavor.

 

~2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

~2-3 medium zucchini, cut in half crosswise, then cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices

~Salt to taste

~1/2 pound bagged baby spinach

~3 cups marinara sauce

~8 ounces ricotta cheese

~1 egg

~2 tablespoons water

~Pinch of cinnamon

~7 to 8 ounces no-boil lasagna

~4 ounces (1 cup) grated Parmesan

 

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Toss the zucchini with the olive oil and season to taste with salt and pepper. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and top with the slices of zucchini. Place in the oven and roast 8 minutes. Remove from the oven, close the oven door and, using tongs, flip the zucchini slices over. Return to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender when pierced with a knife and browned in spots. Remove from the oven and reduce the heat to 350 degrees.

 

2. Steam the spinach for 2 to 3 minutes above an inch of boiling water, just until it wilts. Rinse briefly with cold water, squeeze out excess water and chop coarsely.

 

3. Blend the ricotta cheese with the egg, water, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Set aside.

 

4. Lightly oil a rectangular baking pan.  Spread a small spoonful of tomato sauce to cover the bottom of the pan.  Top with a layer of lasagna noodles. Top the noodles with a thin layer of ricotta, then a layer of zucchini and spinach, a layer of tomato sauce and a layer of Parmesan. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of lasagna noodles topped a layer of fresh baby spinach leaves, then tomato sauce and Parmesan.

 

5. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and place in the oven. Bake 40 minutes, until the noodles are tender and the mixture is bubbling. Uncover and, if you wish, bake another 10 minutes, until the top begins to brown. Remove from the heat and allow to sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

 

Nutritional information per serving: 422 calories; 20 grams fat; 8 grams saturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 7 grams monounsaturated fat; 63 milligrams cholesterol; 42 grams carbohydrates; 6 grams dietary fiber; 419 milligrams sodium (does not include salt to taste); 22 grams protein.