Lasagna is a classic dish that many people love, but it can also be heavy and high in calories. If you are looking for a lighter and healthier version of lasagna, you might want to try this lentil lasagna recipe that uses black lentils, garam masala, and tomato soup as the main ingredients.
Black lentils, also known as beluga lentils, are small, round, and black in color. They have a rich and earthy flavor and a firm texture that holds up well in cooking. They are also very nutritious, as they are high in protein, fiber, iron, folate, and antioxidants.
Black lentils are a great plant-based alternative to meat, as they provide a similar amount of protein and a satisfying mouthfeel. They also add a nice contrast to the soft and creamy layers of cheese and pasta in lasagna.
How to make the lentil sauce with garam masala and tomato soup
The lentil sauce is the star of this lasagna, as it gives it a warm and spicy flavor that complements the cheese and pasta. To make the lentil sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Bell peppers
- Celery
- Carrot
- Garlic
- Crushed tomatoes
- Water
- Aleppo-style chile flakes
- Garam masala
- Turmeric
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Cooked black lentils
Garam masala is a blend of spices that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. It typically contains cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper. It adds a complex and aromatic flavor to the lentil sauce, as well as some health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
To make the lentil sauce, you will need to sauté the onion, bell peppers, celery, carrot, and garlic in olive oil until soft. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, water, chile flakes, garam masala, turmeric, black pepper, and salt, and bring the mixture to a boil. You can then use an immersion blender to pulse the sauce to your desired consistency, whether you like it chunky or smooth. Finally, stir in the cooked black lentils and set the sauce aside.
How to assemble and bake the lentil lasagna
To assemble and bake the lentil lasagna, you will need the following ingredients:
- Olive oil
- No-boil lasagna sheets
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Pesto
Pesto is a sauce made from basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and cheese. It adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the lasagna, as well as some healthy fats and vitamins. You can use store-bought or homemade pesto, depending on your preference and availability.
To assemble the lasagna, you will need to grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with olive oil and preheat the oven to 350°F. Then, layer the ingredients in the following order:
- Pasta
- Lentil sauce
- Cheese
- Pesto
- Pasta
- Lentil sauce
- Cheese
- Pesto
- Pasta
- Lentil sauce
- Cheese
You will need to repeat this sequence four times, ending with a layer of lentil sauce and cheese. Then, cover the dish with foil and bake it for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the sauce is bubbling, and the pasta is cooked.
How to serve and store the lentil lasagna
The lentil lasagna is best served hot, with a green salad or some bread on the side. You can also garnish it with some fresh basil leaves or red pepper flakes for some extra color and flavor.
The lentil lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, or in the freezer for up to one month. To reheat it, you can microwave it for a few minutes, or bake it in the oven at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through.
