Zucchini & Cucumber Layers with Mushroom Marinara
This innovative take on lasagna swaps out traditional pasta for fresh, tender layers of zucchini and cucumber, making it a delightful low-carb and low-calorie alternative. The combination of juicy cucumbers and zucchini creates a refreshing base while the rich, organic spaghetti sauce, infused with mushrooms and garlic, adds a depth of flavor that will impress any palate. Perfect for those wanting to enjoy a hearty meal without the extra carbohydrates, this dish is both satisfying and healthy. Whether served as a main dish or a side, it's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
1/4 (peeled and sliced into strips)
Cucumber
1/4 (peeled and sliced into strips)
Spaghetti Sauce
3/4 cup (preferred brand with mushrooms)
Reduced Fat Parmesan Cheese
3 tablespoons (for topping layer)
Garlic
1 clove (minced)
White Button Mushrooms
3 (sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2
Using a vegetable peeler, thinly slice the zucchini and cucumber lengthwise into long, wide strips, setting them aside.
3
In a mini loaf pan, spread a thin layer of the spaghetti sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
4
Begin layering the zucchini strips on top of the sauce, followed by a layer of cucumber slices.
5
Add another layer of sauce over the cucumber, then sprinkle some chopped garlic and sliced mushrooms for added flavor.
6
Continue alternating layers of zucchini, sauce, cucumber, sauce, and mushrooms until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of zucchini and the remaining sauce on top.
7
Sprinkle the reduced fat parmesan cheese over the top layer before baking.
8
Cover the mini loaf pan with foil to prevent drying out and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
9
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.
10
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zucchini & Cucumber Layers with Mushroom Marinara?
This is an innovative, low-carb lasagna alternative that replaces traditional pasta with fresh strips of zucchini and cucumber.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian and contains no meat products.
What are the main ingredients for the vegetable layers?
The layers are made from peeled zucchini and cucumber sliced into thin, wide strips.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (160°C).
How do I slice the zucchini and cucumber?
Use a vegetable peeler to thinly slice the vegetables lengthwise into long, wide strips.
What kind of pan should I use?
A mini loaf pan is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prevent the layers from sticking to the pan?
Spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of the pan before you begin layering.
What type of spaghetti sauce should I use?
The recipe suggests an organic spaghetti sauce, specifically one that includes mushrooms.
How much spaghetti sauce is needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of spaghetti sauce.
Does this recipe use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe calls for one minced clove of fresh garlic.
What kind of mushrooms are included?
The recipe uses three sliced white button mushrooms.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The topping consists of three tablespoons of reduced fat parmesan cheese.
How do I layer the ingredients?
Alternate layers of zucchini, sauce, cucumber, sauce, and mushrooms until all ingredients are used.
What is the first step of the layering process?
After the initial sauce layer, begin by laying the zucchini strips.
How do I finish the layering?
Finish with a layer of zucchini and the remaining sauce on top before adding cheese.
Should I cover the dish while baking?
Yes, cover the mini loaf pan with foil to prevent the dish from drying out.
How long should it bake covered?
Bake the dish covered with foil for 30 minutes.
Is there a second stage of baking?
Yes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to brown.
What is the total cooking time?
The total baking time is approximately 40 minutes.
How long should I wait before serving?
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a low-carb alternative to traditional lasagna.
Is this a low-calorie dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a low-calorie recipe.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Yes, it can be served as either a healthy main dish or a side dish.
Is this considered a quick recipe?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick recipe for easy dinner preparation.
How much zucchini is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 of a zucchini, peeled and sliced.
How much cucumber is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 of a cucumber, peeled and sliced.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a refreshing base from the vegetables with a rich, mushroom and garlic infused sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Since it uses vegetables instead of pasta, it is naturally gluten-free provided your spaghetti sauce is gluten-free.
Can I use a different type of mushroom?
While white button mushrooms are specified, you can substitute with other varieties like cremini.
Is this a good meal prep option?
Yes, it is a convenient one-dish meal that can be prepared in a small pan.