I used to think of lasagna as quite labor-intensive until no-boil noodles came to the rescue. It’s always a great company or potluck favorite. Now that lasagna is so easy to assemble, you might consider it everyday fare (remember, though, it does take time to bake). This is hearty enough to complete with fresh bread and a big salad.

　　

Ingredients

6 to 8 servings

　　One 28-ounce jar natural, good-quality pasta sauce

　　One 8-ounce package no-boil lasagna noodles

　　One 15-ounce container part-skim ricotta cheese

　　About 3 cups lightly steamed vegetables of your choice (broccoli florets, zucchini, or fresh spinach)

　　One 8-ounce package part-skim grated mozzarella cheese

　　

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

　　

Step 2

Use a 9 by 13-inch casserole dish. Spread a thin layer of pasta sauce on the bottom, and line the bottom of the casserole with 1 layer of lasagna noodles. Use as many as needed to line the pan; 3 or 4 should do.

　　

Step 3

In a mixing bowl, thin the ricotta cheese with about 1/4 cup water. Stir until well blended, then gently and carefully spread one-third of it over the noodles with a cake spatula.

　　

Step 4

Spoon an even layer of about one-third of the remaining pasta sauce over the ricotta. Sprinkle about one-third of the vegetables over the sauce. Follow with about one-third of the mozzarella cheese, then start the layers over again with the noodles. Repeat twice, ending with the mozzarella cheese.

　　

Step 5

Cover and bake until the noodles are tender (test by piercing through all of the layers with a fork), 35 to 40 minutes. If you like, bake uncovered until the cheese begins to turn golden, about 5 minutes more. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes. Cut into squares to serve.

　　

variation

Step 6

Substitute 1 pound soft tofu, drained and well mashed, for the ricotta cheese.

　　

nutrition information

Step 7

Calories: 282

　　

Step 8

Total Fat: 11g

　　

Step 9

Protein: 20g

　　

Step 10

Carbohydrate: 23g

　　

Step 11

Cholesterol: 37mg

　　

Step 12

Sodium: 536mg

　　The Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet