Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the eggplants lengthwise into slices about 1/4 inch thick.
- Lightly sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Arrange the eggplant slices on a baking sheet, brush both sides with olive oil, and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Roast the eggplant for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and lightly golden.
- In a bowl mix ricotta cheese, egg, a pinch of salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Spread about 1/2 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add a layer of roasted eggplant slices over the sauce.
- Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the eggplant layer.
- Sprinkle about 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella and a small amount of Parmesan cheese.
- Add about 3/4 cup marinara sauce over the cheese.
- Repeat layers with eggplant, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, Parmesan, and sauce until ingredients are used.
- Finish with the remaining marinara sauce and the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes, then garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve.
Notes
- Salting and roasting the eggplant helps reduce excess moisture.
- Cottage cheese can be used instead of ricotta.
- Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra vegetables.
- Ground beef or turkey can be added for a heartier version.
- Let the lasagna rest before slicing so the layers hold together.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg