Summer Lasagna: A Light and Delicious Twist on a Classic
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors, and what better way to do that than with a lighter, brighter version of a classic comfort food? This summer lasagna recipe swaps out heavy sauces and meats for seasonal vegetables and herbs, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Forget the heavy, dense lasagna of winter; this recipe is all about celebrating the bounty of summer produce.
This recipe isn’t just a lighter take on lasagna; it’s also incredibly versatile. Feel free to adapt it to your own taste and what’s available at your local farmers market. Zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, corn, tomatoes – the possibilities are endless! And don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and herbs to create your own unique summer lasagna masterpiece.
## Why You’ll Love This Summer Lasagna
* **Light and Refreshing:** Unlike traditional lasagna, this recipe is packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, making it perfect for warm weather.
* **Versatile:** Easily adaptable to your favorite vegetables and cheeses.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of roasted vegetables, herbs, and cheeses creates a delicious and satisfying dish.
* **Perfect for Entertaining:** This lasagna is easy to make ahead of time and is always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Celebrates Seasonal Produce:** This recipe is a great way to showcase the best of summer’s bounty.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Lasagna Noodles:** You can use oven-ready noodles or traditional lasagna noodles. If using traditional noodles, cook them according to package directions.
* **Vegetables:** A mix of summer vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, corn, and tomatoes works well. Feel free to use your favorites!
* **Cheese:** Ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese are the classic choices, but you can also add other cheeses like provolone or fontina.
* **Herbs:** Fresh basil, oregano, and thyme add a burst of flavor to the lasagna.
* **Olive Oil:** Used for roasting the vegetables and adding flavor.
* **Garlic:** Adds a savory depth of flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To season the vegetables and cheese mixture.
* **Optional: Bechamel Sauce:** For an extra creamy layer, you can add a homemade or store-bought bechamel sauce.
**Detailed Ingredient List:**
* 1 pound lasagna noodles (oven-ready or traditional)
* 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
* 2 zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
* 2 bell peppers (any color), seeded and sliced
* 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
* 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 15 ounces ricotta cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* Optional: 2 cups Bechamel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large baking sheet
* Large bowl
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Knife
* Cutting board
* Measuring cups and spoons
## Step-by-Step Instructions
This summer lasagna recipe is easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each step:
**1. Prepare the Vegetables:**
* Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
* In a large bowl, toss the eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, corn, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Ensure the vegetables are evenly coated.
* Spread the vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor to the lasagna.
* Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly browned. Stir the vegetables halfway through to ensure even cooking. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
**2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:**
* In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, fresh oregano, and fresh thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined. This cheese mixture will add a creamy and flavorful layer to the lasagna.
**3. Assemble the Lasagna:**
* If using traditional lasagna noodles, cook them according to package directions. Drain well and set aside. If using oven-ready noodles, you don’t need to cook them beforehand. However, it is good practice to soak them in hot water for 10 minutes, this makes them more pliable and less prone to cracking during baking.
* Spread a thin layer of the ricotta cheese mixture on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will help prevent the noodles from sticking to the dish.
* Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the cheese mixture, slightly overlapping if necessary. Ensure that the entire bottom of the dish is covered with noodles.
* Spread half of the roasted vegetables evenly over the noodles. Distribute them evenly to ensure each bite is packed with flavor.
* Spread half of the remaining ricotta cheese mixture over the vegetables. Another creamy layer to complement the vegetables.
* Sprinkle one cup of mozzarella cheese over the ricotta cheese mixture. This cheese will melt and create a gooey, cheesy layer.
* Repeat layers: noodles, remaining roasted vegetables, remaining ricotta cheese mixture, and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
* If using bechamel sauce, pour it evenly over the top layer of mozzarella cheese. This will add an extra creamy and rich layer to the lasagna.
* Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top. This will create a golden-brown and crispy crust.
**4. Bake the Lasagna:**
* Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will prevent the top from browning too quickly and ensure that the lasagna is heated through evenly.
* Bake for 30 minutes covered.
* Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown. Keep a close eye on the lasagna to prevent the top from burning.
* Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the cheese to set and makes it easier to cut into neat slices.
## Tips for the Best Summer Lasagna
* **Roast the Vegetables Properly:** Roasting the vegetables is key to bringing out their sweetness and adding depth of flavor to the lasagna. Make sure to roast them until they are tender and slightly browned.
* **Don’t Overcook the Noodles:** If using traditional lasagna noodles, be careful not to overcook them. They should be slightly undercooked, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
* **Use High-Quality Cheese:** Using high-quality cheese will make a big difference in the flavor of the lasagna. Look for fresh ricotta cheese and good-quality mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
* **Add Fresh Herbs:** Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor to the lasagna. Use a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme for the best results.
* **Let the Lasagna Rest:** Letting the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving allows the cheese to set and makes it easier to cut into neat slices.
* **Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet:** When roasting the vegetables, make sure they are in a single layer. Overcrowding will cause the vegetables to steam instead of roast.
* **Season generously:** Don’t be afraid to season the vegetables and cheese mixture generously with salt and pepper. This will help to bring out the flavors of the ingredients.
* **Use a mandoline:** A mandoline can be helpful for slicing the vegetables evenly.
* **Make ahead of time:** This lasagna can be made ahead of time and baked later. Assemble the lasagna and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Vegetables:** Feel free to use any of your favorite summer vegetables in this lasagna. Some other options include spinach, asparagus, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
* **Cheese:** You can use other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or goat cheese in place of or in addition to the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
* **Meat:** If you want to add meat to this lasagna, you can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken. Brown the meat and drain off any excess fat before adding it to the lasagna.
* **Sauce:** You can use a jarred tomato sauce or a homemade tomato sauce in place of the roasted vegetables.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Vegan:** Use vegan lasagna noodles, vegan ricotta cheese, and vegan mozzarella cheese to make this recipe vegan. You can also omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan Parmesan cheese alternative.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture for a spicy kick.
## Serving Suggestions
This summer lasagna is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some suggestions:
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect accompaniment to this lasagna.
* **Garlic Bread:** Serve with crusty garlic bread for dipping into the sauce.
* **Grilled Vegetables:** Grill some extra vegetables to serve alongside the lasagna.
* **Fruit Salad:** A refreshing fruit salad is a great way to end the meal.
* **Dessert:** Finish off your meal with a light and refreshing dessert like lemon sorbet or strawberry shortcake.
## Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Leftover lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat lasagna in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** Lasagna can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Wrap the lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw the lasagna in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
## Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
* Calories: Approximately 450-550
* Protein: 25-30g
* Fat: 20-25g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
## Conclusion
This summer lasagna is a delicious and refreshing twist on a classic dish. It’s perfect for celebrating the bounty of summer produce and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So, fire up your oven and get ready to enjoy a taste of summer in every bite!
Enjoy your summer lasagna!