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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 0 Minutes Servings: 9 |
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The pepper-studded polenta needs to chill overnight so it will be firm enough to stand in for the typical lasagna noodles. Ingredients:
2 large red bell peppers |
2 large yellow bell peppers |
8 cups water |
1 teaspoon salt |
1 1/2 cups dry polenta |
3/4 cup (3 ounces) grated fresh parmesan cheese |
cooking spray |
1/4 cup water |
1 tablespoon chopped garlic |
2 (10-ounce) packages fresh spinach |
1/4 teaspoon salt |
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper |
1/2 cup fat-free ricotta cheese |
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg |
2 large egg whites |
2 cups fat-free marinara sauce (such as muir glen organic) |
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) part-skim mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced |
3/4 cup (3 ounces) grated fresh parmesan cheese |
Directions:
1. To prepare polenta, cut bell peppers in half lengthwise; discard seeds and membranes. Place pepper halves, skin sides up, on a foil-lined baking sheet; flatten with hand. Broil 15 minutes or until blackened. Place in a large zip-top plastic bag; seal. Let stand 15 minutes. Peel and cut into 1/4-inch pieces.
2. Combine 8 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Add polenta, stirring with a whisk until polenta begins to absorb the water (about 2 minutes). Reduce heat to low; cook 25 minutes, stirring frequently. Add bell pepper pieces and 3/4 cup Parmesan; stir until well blended. Spoon polenta mixture onto an 18 x 12-inch jelly roll pan coated with cooking spray; spread into an even layer using a spatula coated with cooking spray. Cool to room temperature on a wire rack. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. Place a large cutting board on top of polenta. Turn over and remove the polenta from pan; cut polenta in half crosswise. Set aside.
4. To prepare the filling, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/4 cup water and garlic, and cook 1 minute. Add half of spinach; cover and cook for 1 minute or until the spinach begins to wilt. Stir in remaining spinach, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Cover and cook for 3 minutes. Place the spinach mixture in a colander, and drain well. Combine spinach mixture, ricotta, nutmeg, and egg whites.
5. Preheat oven to 375°.
6. Spread 1/2 cup marinara into bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Place 1 polenta sheet half over the marinara. Spread 1/2 cup marinara over the polenta. Arrange sliced mozzarella and spinach mixture over marinara, and top with 1/2 cup marinara. Place the remaining polenta sheet half over the sauce. Top with the remaining marinara; sprinkle with 3/4 cup Parmesan. Cover and bake at 375° for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 20 minutes. Let lasagna stand 15 minutes.
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