Mediterranean Eggplant Lasagna
Delight your taste buds with this Mediterranean Eggplant Lasagna, a hearty and nutritious alternative to traditional lasagna. Made with layers of tender eggplant slices, flavorful meatless spaghetti sauce, rich mozzarella cheese, and crunchy breadcrumbs, this dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It's not only a vegetarian-friendly option but also a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals. Serve it fresh from the oven and watch as everyone comes back for seconds!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lasagna Noodles
8 ounces (Cook according to package instructions.)
Dried Breadcrumbs
1 cup (Mix with salt.)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning the breadcrumbs.)
Eggs
2 (Beat with water to create an egg wash.)
Medium Eggplant
1 (Cut into 1/2 inch slices.)
Salad Oil
1/4 cup (For frying the eggplant.)
Mozzarella Cheese
16 ounces (Shredded.)
Meatless Spaghetti Sauce
29 ounces (1 jar) (Ready to use.)
Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup (Grated.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2
Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
3
On a piece of waxed paper, combine the dried breadcrumbs and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
4
In a small bowl, beat the eggs with 2 tablespoons of water to create an egg wash.
5
Dip each slice of eggplant into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6
In a large skillet, heat the salad oil over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded eggplant slices in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
7
In a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish, layer the cooked noodles, eggplant slices, mozzarella cheese, and meatless spaghetti sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce on top.
8
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the final layer.
9
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Eggplant Lasagna?
Mediterranean Eggplant Lasagna is a hearty, nutritious vegetarian alternative to traditional lasagna made with layers of tender eggplant, meatless sauce, mozzarella, and breadcrumbs.
How many servings does this recipe produce?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
Is this lasagna recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it is vegetarian-friendly as it uses meatless spaghetti sauce and eggplant as the primary filling.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
How long does the lasagna need to bake?
The lasagna should bake for a total of 40 to 45 minutes: 30 minutes covered with foil and an additional 10-15 minutes uncovered.
Do I need to cook the lasagna noodles beforehand?
Yes, the noodles should be cooked according to the package instructions and drained before layering.
How should the eggplant be prepared?
The eggplant should be cut into 1/2 inch slices, dipped in an egg wash, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried until golden brown.
What ingredients are needed for the eggplant breading?
You will need 1 cup of dried breadcrumbs and 1/2 teaspoon of salt mixed together.
How do I make the egg wash?
Beat 2 eggs with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl.
What kind of oil should be used for frying?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of salad oil to fry the eggplant slices.
How long do I fry the eggplant slices?
Fry the breaded eggplant slices for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
What size baking dish is required?
A greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish is recommended.
What are the layers of the lasagna?
The layers consist of cooked noodles, fried eggplant slices, mozzarella cheese, and meatless spaghetti sauce.
What goes on the very top of the lasagna?
The final layer should be a coating of meatless spaghetti sauce followed by a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese.
How much spaghetti sauce is used?
You will need one 29-ounce jar of meatless spaghetti sauce.
Why is the dish covered with foil during baking?
Covering the dish with foil helps the lasagna cook through without the top cheese burning or drying out.
When should I remove the foil?
Remove the foil after the first 30 minutes of baking.
What is the purpose of the Parmesan cheese?
Parmesan cheese is used as a topping to provide a salty, savory crust during the final stage of baking.
How do I know when the lasagna is finished cooking?
The lasagna is done when the top is bubbly and golden brown.
What is the main source of protein in this dish?
The protein comes primarily from the eggs, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
Is this a good dish for family dinners?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for family dinners or gatherings.
What can I use if I don't have salad oil?
You can substitute other neutral oils like vegetable oil or canola oil for frying the eggplant.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe uses 2 eggs for the egg wash.
What amount of lasagna noodles is used?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of lasagna noodles.
Is the eggplant peeled?
The recipe does not specify peeling, so the skin can be left on for extra texture and nutrients.
Can I use fresh breadcrumbs instead of dried?
While the recipe specifies dried breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture, fresh crumbs can be used but may result in a softer coating.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
What should I do after frying the eggplant?
After frying, you should drain the eggplant slices on paper towels to remove excess oil.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features Mediterranean flavors with savory tomato sauce, rich cheeses, and seasoned breaded eggplant.