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Mediterranean Lasagna

By Paige Waehner, About.com

Updated: August 20, 2007

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If you're watching your waistline, you may struggle to find healthy recipes that taste good. This Mediterranean Lasagna, which I got from a friend of mine, Cathy Leman, Registered Dietician, is one of my favorites when I'm in the mood for flavorful, healthy food. You can also add lean meat if you like your lasagna a little more traditional.

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups chopped leeks
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
  • 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped
  • 1 (7-ounce) bottle roasted red bell peppers, drained and chopped
  • 1 large bunch Swiss chard, stems chopped fine, leaves coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup drained canned cannellini beans
  • 1 tablespoons butter + 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups fat-free milk
  • 1 (4-ounce) package crumbled feta cheese
  • 3 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 6 no-boil lasagna noodles
  • 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375°.

Heat a large nonstick skillet coated with olive oil over medium-high heat. Add leeks through garlic and sauté 5 minutes. Add Swiss chard and sauté until stems are soft and leaves wilted, about 3 minutes. Add artichokes and bell pepper, and sauté 3 minutes. Stir in beans, and remove from heat.

Melt butter and olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly with a whisk. Gradually add milk, stirring with a whisk until blended, and cook until slightly thick (about 4 minutes). Remove from heat. Add feta and 2 tablespoons Parmesan; stir until cheese melts.

Spread 1/4 cup cheese sauce in bottom of an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Arrange 2 noodles over cheese sauce; top with half of vegetable mixture, 1/4 cup mozzarella, and 1/2 cup cheese sauce. Repeat layers, ending with noodles. Pour remaining cheese sauce over noodles, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup mozzarella and 1 tablespoon Parmesan.

Cover and bake at 375° for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes or until top is golden. Let stand 5 minutes.

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