Meatless Cottage Cheese Lasagna
Try this Meatless Cottage Cheese Lasagna recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Meatless Cottage Cheese Lasagna recipe, or contribute your own.
- cooking spray
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 yellow onion chopped fine
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- aluminum foil
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup grated pecorino romano cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 cups grated pecorino romano cheese about 4 oz.
- 1/4 tsp ea. salt and pepper
- 5 anchovy fillets rinsed dried and minced or 2 tsp anchovy paste, (omit for vegetarian version)
- 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes or peeled whole tomatoes pulsed several times in a food processor
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes drained of liquid
- 3 oz. tomato paste (1/2 small can)
- 14 lasagna noodles curly edged and not no-boil
- 1/2 lbs italian fontina cheese grated. bel gioioso italian style is what i used
- 1/8 tsp cornstarch
- Carbohydrate 6.24778553822854 g
- Cholesterol 78.8998218379832 mg
- Fat 24.8522455301982 g
- Fiber 0.767997937360851 g
- Protein 25.8203872821495 g
- Saturated Fat 14.1779024823826 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (157g)
- Sodium 972.006573024442 mg
- Sugar 5.47978760086769 g
- Trans Fat 1.61124644707518 g
- Calories 351 calories
Step-by-step
- Mix all ingredients in a medium sized bowl and set aside
- In a large sauce pan, place olive oil, onions, sugar, red pepper flakes, oregano, thyme, basil, and salt on medium low heat 8 to 10 minutes to soften onion.
- Add the garlic, and minced anchovies and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the 2 cans of tomatoes (the diced tomatoes drained), the Romano cheese, and tomato paste and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes to thicken.
- Preheat oven to 375°.
- While the tomato sauce simmers, place lasagna noodles in a 9 by 13 casserole pan and cover with boiling water for 15 minutes until softened.
- Use a knife and fork to keep the noodles separated as they will stick together easily. I separated them three times in 15 minutes and especially as soon as the boiling water is added.
- Carefully pour off the water and rinse each noodle under cold water and dry on a dish towel keeping the noodles separate.
- Cut 2 of the noodles in half.
- Dry the 9 by 13 casserole dish and assemble the lasagna as follows: first add 1 ½ cups tomato sauce and use a spatula to evenly coat.
- Place three noodles in the pan touching one short side and use one of the halved noodles to finish the side that is short.
- Next place ½ of the cheese sauce on the noodles and spread with a spatula to even, then top with ½ cup fontina.
- Keep assembling alternating which short side gets the half piece of noodle.
- Put 1 ½ cups tomato sauce over the noodles followed by ½ cup fontina.
- Next the remainder of the cheese sauce with ½ cup fontina.
- The last of the noodles followed by the remaining tomato sauce.
- Then toss the remaining fontina cheese with a little cornstarch and place on the tomato sauce followed by the Pecorino.
- Spray aluminum foil with cooking oil on one side and cover the lasagna, place in oven and cook for 35 minutes.
- Raise oven temperature to 500°, remove the foil and cook for 15 more minutes.
- Remove from oven and let rest 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve.
Meatless Cottage Cheese Lasagna: A Culinary Adventure
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a never-ending uphill battle. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the constant demands of family life, the idea of spending hours in the kitchen often feels like a luxury I can't afford. But then there are those nights when I crave something comforting, something that satisfies both my soul and my family’s hungry tummies. That's when my Meatless Cottage Cheese Lasagna comes to the rescue. It’s a recipe that marries the familiar comfort of lasagna with the surprising lightness of cottage cheese, resulting in a dish that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to prepare.
This recipe is a testament to my belief that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a reflection of my desire to create meals that are both nutritious and enjoyable, without sacrificing precious time. The simplicity of the ingredients, the straightforward instructions, and the ultimately rewarding outcome make this a go-to recipe in my busy week. Many times, the family dinners we share are the most precious moments of our day, and this dish helps me make those moments special, even if I’m rushing around in between tasks.
The beauty of this lasagna lies in its adaptability. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, herbs, or vegetables. One time, I added some sautéed spinach for an extra boost of nutrients, and my kids devoured it without complaint. Another time, I used a different type of cheese and added mushrooms, and it was equally satisfying. The possibilities are endless!
The core of the recipe, however, remains the same: a creamy, cheesy filling complemented by a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. The cottage cheese adds a unique tanginess that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients, creating a balanced flavor profile that’s both savory and satisfying. It's a dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. And let's be honest, sometimes the simplest recipes are the most comforting ones.
This recipe is a testament to my philosophy: good food doesn't have to be time-consuming. It's about finding the right balance between flavor, nutrition, and convenience. It's about creating meals that nourish your body and soul, even amidst the chaos of everyday life. This lasagna isn't just a meal; it's a reminder to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the simple joys of cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones. And that, my friends, is a truly rewarding feeling.
The heart of this recipe lies in its simplicity, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal without demanding excessive kitchen time. The cottage cheese brings a unique lightness that balances the richness of the cheese and sauce, creating a harmonious flavor profile. The process of layering the ingredients is therapeutic in itself, a calming activity in the midst of the day’s hustle and bustle. It's a reminder to embrace the simple pleasures, even amidst the constant demands of daily life. I often find myself reflecting on this as I assemble the lasagna, taking a moment to appreciate the small moments of peace before the symphony of family chatter fills the dining room.
And the best part? It’s a dish that’s truly versatile. The recipe acts as a fantastic base, easily adaptable to incorporate seasonal ingredients or cater to individual preferences. Adding sauteed vegetables, swapping cheese types, or incorporating different herbs can transform the lasagna into a unique culinary experience each time. It's a testament to the joy of culinary exploration, where creativity and convenience can coexist beautifully.
So, the next time you’re searching for a comforting and flavorful meal that won't consume your entire evening, remember this meatless cottage cheese lasagna. It's a recipe that's not just about making dinner; it's about creating memories, sharing moments, and proving that delicious, healthy food can fit perfectly into even the busiest of lives. It's about embracing the simplicity of a well-loved dish, the comforting aroma filling the kitchen, and the satisfaction of gathering around the table with those we cherish most.
