Lacto-Vegetarian Lasagna

This healthy meatless main course dish is easy and quick to make and is sure to please anyone’s taste.

INGREDIENTS:

1 fresh large eggplant

1 cup of fresh baby spinach leaves, chopped

1 package whole wheat lasagna noodles

8 ounces low-fat small curd cottage cheese

1 medium (32 ounce) jar of meatless sauce

2 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese

1 medium to large tomatoes, sliced

sea salt to taste

black pepper to taste

small amount of fresh parsley finely chopped (or parsley flakes) for garnish

paprika for garnish

Note: wherever possible, choose certified organic ingredients to have the healthiest dish.

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cut the eggplant into thin slices.  Lay these slices on a cloth or paper towels (preferably unbleached paper towels).  Add a sprinkling of sea salt.  Place another cloth or layer of paper towels on place the remaining slices on it and add a sprinkling of sea salt.

Prepare the lasagna noodles according to directions for the minimum cooking time or a bit less (the noodles will cook more during the baking of the lasagna).  Once the noodles have been cooked, drain thoroughly and place on a cloth or paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

While the noodles are cooking, mix the cheese, spinach, pepper and salt in a bowl.

Add sauce into a casserole pan and spread it out evenly. Then add a layer of lasagna noodles, a layer of eggplant, sauce, a layer of cottage cheese, spinach mix, and then another layer of lasagna noodles. Repeat this process until you reach the top of the casserole pan or however thick you want your dish to be.

Add a final layer consisting of mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and sliced tomatoes. Then sprinkle some paprika and parsley flakes for garnish and added taste.

Place in the oven and cook for one hour or until you are sure that the eggplant is suitably soft.

To have a complete meat-free holiday spread, see the selection of healthy meatless side dishes, salads, soups and desserts at:

http://www.tbyil.com/Healthy_Holiday_Recipes.htm