Garden Fresh Tomato Basil Lasagna

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Garden Fresh Tomato Basil Lasagna?

It is a vegetarian twist on classic lasagna featuring layers of tender noodles, a homemade tomato basil sauce, and a creamy mixture of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.

How many servings does this lasagna recipe make?

This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.

How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?

You should sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil for approximately 8-10 minutes until the onion is translucent and aromatic.

How do I prepare the whole canned tomatoes?

You should crush the whole canned tomatoes using either a food mill or by hand before adding them to the pot.

How long does the sauce need to simmer?

The sauce should simmer for about 80 minutes until it reduces and thickens slightly.

What seasonings are added to the sauce after simmering?

After simmering, turn off the heat and stir in 2/3 cup thinly sliced fresh basil, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.

What is the recommended oven temperature?

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking the lasagna.

What size baking dish should be used?

A 13x9-inch Pyrex or similar baking dish is recommended for this recipe.

How do I prepare the cheese filling?

Warm 2 cups of ricotta cheese in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella until fully melted and blended.

How much sauce goes on the bottom of the baking dish?

Spread 2 cups of the prepared tomato basil sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish.

How many lasagna noodles are used in the first layer?

Arrange 4 lasagna noodles over the initial layer of sauce.

Where does the ricotta-mozzarella mixture go?

The cheese mixture is spread evenly over the first layer of lasagna noodles.

What is the final layering step before baking?

Spread the remaining 2 cups of tomato basil sauce over the top layer of noodles and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of finely shredded parmesan cheese.

How long does the lasagna bake?

Bake the lasagna for 15 minutes in the preheated oven.

How can I tell when the lasagna is finished baking?

The lasagna is ready when the cheese is melted and the filling is bubbly.

Should the lasagna cool before serving?

Yes, let the lasagna cool for several minutes after removing it from the oven to allow it to set before serving.

What is the garnish for this dish?

Garnish the finished lasagna with 1 tablespoon of thinly sliced fresh basil.

Is this lasagna recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian and contains no meat.

How many garlic cloves are needed?

The recipe requires 4 minced garlic cloves.

How much olive oil is used?

1 tablespoon of olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables.

What type of tomatoes are used in the sauce?

The recipe uses two 28-ounce cans of whole tomatoes.

How much total fresh basil is required?

You will need 2/3 cup for the sauce and an additional 1 tablespoon for the garnish.

What kind of cheese is sprinkled on top?

Finely shredded fresh parmesan cheese is used as the topping.

How many lasagna noodles are needed in total?

The recipe uses 8 cooked lasagna noodles.

Can I use cooking spray on the baking dish?

Yes, lightly coat the baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

How much salt is used in the cheese mixture?

Season the cheese mixture with 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

Is part-skim cheese recommended?

Yes, the recipe specifically calls for part-skim ricotta and part-skim mozzarella cheese.

How much onion is required?

The recipe calls for 1 cup of finely chopped onion.

What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?

The dish is described as hitting notes of comfort and freshness due to the homemade tomato basil sauce.

What tags define this recipe?

Tags include vegetarian, comfort food, Italian cuisine, homemade, and family meal.