Zucchini-Quinoa Lasagna
While brainstorming ways to make a summery lasagna with the same flavors as the classic casserole, Matheny chose to replace lasagna noodles with zucchini, and use high-protein quinoa instead of a meat filling.
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While brainstorming ways to make a summery lasagna with the same flavors as the classic casserole, Matheny chose to replace lasagna noodles with zucchini, and use high-protein quinoa instead of a meat filling.
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchini, cut lengthwise into 12 1/4-inch-thick slices
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
- 2 Tbs. nondairy cream cheese, such as Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese, optional
- 1 25-oz. jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded nondairy cheese, such as Daiya Mozzarella, optional
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place zucchini slices on bed of paper towels. Sprinkle with salt, cover with paper towels, and let stand to release moisture while preparing quinoa.
2. Bring broth, quinoa, tomato sauce, onion, and oregano to a boil in saucepan. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 25 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, and stir in basil, parsley, and cream cheese, if using.
3. Spoon 1/3 cup marinara sauce over bottom of 8-inch square baking dish. Blot remaining moisture and salt from zucchini slices, and lay 4 zucchini slices over marinara sauce in pan. Spoon half of quinoa over zucchini, and cover with 1/3 cup marinara. Repeat with 4 more zucchini slices, remaining quinoa, and 1/3 cup marinara. Top with remaining 4 zucchini slices, remaining marinara, and shredded cheese, if using. Bake lasagna 30 minutes, or until zucchini is tender and top is bubbly.
Nutrition Information
- Calories 213
- Carbohydrate Content 39 g
- Cholesterol Content 0 mg
- Fat Content 4 g
- Fiber Content 7 g
- Protein Content 8 g
- Saturated Fat Content 0.5 g
- Sodium Content 735 mg
- Sugar Content 15 g