Zucchini Lasagna

Serves 8

1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed

1 lb Ground Turkey

1 28oz can crushed San Marzano tomatoes

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small yellow onion, diced

4 cloves of garlic, minced

3/4 large zucchini, sliced lengthwise into ¼” strips

1 box of frozen spinach, thawed and drained (optional)

1 ½ cups ricotta cheese

1 ½ cups fresh mozzarella, grated

¼ cup fresh chopped Italian parsley

1 cup Parmesan
4 oz Cream Cheese           

Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the Italian sausage. Using the back of a wooden spoon, break the sausage up into small pieces. When the sausage is about half way through cooking, add in the onion and garlic. Continue sautéing until the onions are translucent and the sausage is nice and golden brown. Add the tomatoes and any herbs of your choice. Lower the heat to a simmer, season to taste with salt and pepper, and pop on the lid. Allow the sauce to cook while you prep your remaining ingredients, about 20 minutes.

Using a mandolin or a very sharp chef’s knife, remove the ends from each zucchini and cut lengthwise into ¼” strips. Place the strips on a paper towel lined baking sheet to remove any excess moisture.

Make sure the spinach has been drained of any excess moisture. Combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese and the spinach together in a large bowl and mix well. 

Lightly oil a 9x13 baking dish. Spread a small amount of sauce in the bottom of the pan (just enough to coat) then layer the zucchini across the bottom, cutting to size if needed. Spread a layer of the cheese/spinach mixture on top of the strips then top with meat sauce. Sprinkle a hand full of mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce and top with another layer of zucchini. Continue layering. Sprinkle the Parmesan on the top and cover with foil.

Place the lasagna in a pre-heated oven and bake at 375º  for 35 minutes. Then take the foil off and allow the cheese to get nice and crispy on top.  You can also turn your broiler on to speed up the process yet watch it very closely. Usually 3-5 minutes does the trick.