Indulge in the comforting layers of this Greek-inspired vegetarian lasagna, a hearty dish that brings a Mediterranean twist to a classic favorite. This recipe features tender penne pasta layered with a richly spiced tomato sauce, bursting with sautéed zucchini and eggplant, and accented by the warm flavor of ground cinnamon. Creamy béchamel sauce, infused with a hint of nutmeg, blankets the dish, while crumbled feta and a touch of Parmesan add a savory, tangy finish. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, this Greek lasagna is a fantastic meatless option for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Easy to make and full of wholesome goodness, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the zucchini and eggplant to the skillet. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, ground cinnamon, dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Set aside once done.
Prepare the béchamel sauce by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until a roux forms.
Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the nutmeg, remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and Parmesan cheese. Remove the béchamel sauce from the heat and whisk in the egg yolks until fully incorporated.
To assemble, spread half of the cooked pasta in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Top with half of the tomato-vegetable mixture and sprinkle half of the crumbled feta cheese over it.
Repeat the layers: remaining pasta, remaining tomato-vegetable mixture, and the other half of the feta cheese.
Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the assembled layers, ensuring it covers the top completely.
Bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the béchamel is golden and bubbling.
Allow the lasagna to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan if desired, and serve warm.
Calories |
4090 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 193.2 g | 248% | |
| Saturated Fat | 87.9 g | 440% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 816 mg | 272% | |
| Sodium | 7172 mg | 312% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 449.9 g | 164% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 44.8 g | 160% | |
| Total Sugars | 87.2 g | ||
| Protein | 152.6 g | 305% | |
| Vitamin D | 10.2 mcg | 51% | |
| Calcium | 2905 mg | 223% | |
| Iron | 26.1 mg | 145% | |
| Potassium | 5492 mg | 117% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.