Hidden Delights Lasagna
- 1 lb 93% lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups zucchini or 2 cups summer squash, in 1cm cubes
- salt
- pepper
- italian seasoning (or substitute basil, oregano and dried parsley)
- 2 (15 ounce) cans whole tomatoes (or diced and undrained)
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 (12 1/3 ounce) cartons firm silken tofu (Mori-Nu)
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 12 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 eggs
- 9 lasagna noodles
- Saute the onion, garlic and summer squash until slightly softened.
- I have found that if you watch it closely and keep stirring, no oil is necessary.
- If you are concerned, you can use non-stick spray or add a little bit of water if it begins to stick.
- Add the ground beef and brown.
- For variety you can substitute up to 1/4 of the beef for ground sausage.
- Drain the meat if necessary and add the tomatoes and tomato paste.
- If using whole tomatoes be sure to break them down as much as possible while they are simmering.
- Also add salt, pepper and seasonings to your tastes.
- (You could also just add a bottle of your favorite pasta sauce in place of the tomato products).
- Hopefully you will end up with 5-6 cups of sauce.For best results, divide the sauce into two equal portions so that each pan will get its equal share.
- Set aside.
- Meanwhile, break the 9 lasagna noodles (about 8 oz) in half gently.
- Boil them per package directions.
- After draining them, I found it helpful to put them back in the pan and cover them with cold water which kept them from sticking together or drying out.
- Three halves will lie on the bottom of the pan and they will be layered 3 deep.
- There will be just enough for the two 8X8 pans.
- Prepare the cheese filling.
- NOTE - these directions are given for one pan at a time since that seemed easiest.
- Once the cheese mixture is ready, layer your first pan and then make the 2nd set of cheese mixture.
- Take 2 cups of well packed spinach and roughly chop it.
- Nuke in microwave for 2 minutes.
- It will wilt and shrink up.
- Allow to cool.
- (continue assembling cheese mixture in the meantime).
- Once cool enough to handle, drain as much liquid as you can.
- I used my hands.
- Feel free to substitute thawed frozen spinach-- you want about 1/4 cup cooked spinach.
- Add to mixing bowl with the cheese/tofu.
- Remove the silken tofu from the aseptic box by cutting the box open as per the box instructions.
- (Use one box per pan).
- Do this over the sink and pour off the extra liquid before putting into the mixing bowl.
- Mash the tofu up (I used my hands!)
- until it is in tiny pieces.
- Add 1/4 cup parmesan cheese.
- You will use 4 oz of mozzarella cheese per pan.
- Decide how much you want to go on top and set that aside.
- (I've found that 1 oz is adequate but people who aren't concerned with calories may want to add to that).
- Dump the rest into the tofu mixture.
- Stir to combine all ingredients and season with salt, pepper, italian seasonings and or garlic powder to your personal tastes.
- It will be very bland if you don't season it!
- Once it tastes right, add one egg and stir until well combined.
- Now you are ready to combine your lasagna.
- Put a small amount of sauce in the bottom of the pan.
- Then layer 3 half-noodles across.
- On top of the noodles put a generous amount of sauce and half of the cheese/tofu mixture.
- Repeat layers (noodles, sauce, remaining cheese/tofu).
- Finish with a final layer of noodles and a small amount of sauce.
- Repeat above instructions with the 2nd pan.
- If storing for OAMC- put the cheese for the top in a ziploc bag and freeze together with the lasagna.
- Someone will have to help me with cook times for a frozen lasagna!
- Let me know and I will edit the recipe.
- To bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375F for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil, place reserved cheese on top and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and beginning to brown.
- Cut each pan into 6 slices (3 down, 2 across).
ground beef, onion, garlic, zucchini, salt, pepper, italian seasoning, tomatoes, tomato paste, silken, fresh spinach, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, eggs, lasagna noodles
Taken from www.food.com/recipe/hidden-delights-lasagna-324948 (may not work)