Uncle Bills Vegetarian Lasagna Recipes

UNCLE BILL'S MARVELOUS LASAGNA

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying, add ground beef and fry until cooked, 6 to 8 minutes.
• Drain off any fat and discard.
• Add remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil to frying pan, chopped onions and garlic and saute' for 5 minutes.
• Add chopped celery, diced green and red peppers, sliced mushrooms, chopped zucchini, and saute' until vegetables are softened, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add grated carrots, cover and cook until carrots are limp, about 4 minutes.
• Transfer this mixture to a large cooking pot.
• Add tomatoes including liquid, tomato sauce, parsley, hot pepper flakes and allspice and heat to boil.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1/2 hour, stirring occasionally.
• Blend in wine and continue to simmer for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• FILLING: Squeeze water from spinach and discard.
• Chop spinach small.
• In a mixing bowl, combine spinach, cottage cheese, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, beaten egg, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, mix well and set aside.
• TO ASSEMBLE: Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
• Use a 10" x 14" x 2" deep, heavy duty aluminum foil baking dish.
• Layer about 1/2" of prepared sauce over the bottom.
• Place enough lasagna sheets to cover area and press lightly into sauce.
• Layer another 1/2" of prepared sauce.
• Place lasagna sheets over and press lightly into sauce.
• Add spinach filling and level.
• Place lasagna sheets over and press lightly into filling.
• Add another layer of lasagna sheets.
• Layer another 1/2" of prepared sauce over.
• Place another layer of lasagna sheets and press lightly into sauce.
• Add the remaining sauce over and level.
• Sprinkle top generously with grated mozzarella cheese.
• Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese over.
• If desired, grate a 1/2 cup of Emmentaler Swiss cheese and sprinkle over top.
• Cover baking dish tightly with aluminum foil being careful not to let foil touch the lasagna.
• Bake in preheated 450 F oven for 20 minutes.
• Reduce heat to 425 degrees F.
• Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until cheese melts.
• Remove from oven, cover and let sit to set for about 5 minutes before cutting.
• Cut into pieces and serve hot.
• Ondine Delverde Lasagna is a brand name and is sold in packages of 15 lasagna sheets and also 3- 8" x 8" aluminum foil pans.
• You can use these pans if desired.
• This lasagna is pre-cooked and does not require any cooking before hand.
• They now make fresh lasagna sheets that do not require pre-cooking.
• You may also use lasagna strips but you will require cooking these.

VEGETARIAN LASAGNA

Steps:

• For the sauce: Put the olive oil and garlic in a medium pot over low heat. Cook the garlic, stirring occasionally at first and more often as it colors, until golden brown, about 7 minutes. Raise the heat to medium-low, add the onions and a large pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and red pepper flakes, and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, bay leaves, basil sprig, thyme and 1 teaspoon salt, raise the heat to medium and bring the sauce to a lively simmer. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until quite thick (if you draw a spoon through the sauce, you'll see the bottom of the pot for a few seconds before the sauce fills back in), about 30 minutes. As the sauce thickens, turn the heat down a bit so the bottom doesn't scorch. Stir in the chopped basil. Let cool to room temperature before assembling the lasagna. (Makes 1 quart.)
• To assemble: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Squeeze the spinach in your hands to remove as much liquid as possible. Put it in a large bowl, and stir in the ricotta, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan, the egg, 1 teaspoon salt and the nutmeg.
• Spread 3/4 cup of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Lay 3 lasagna noodles across the sauce (they won't touch). Spread 3/4 cup tomato sauce on top. Dollop 1/3 of the ricotta mixture (about 1 cup) across the sauce, and use the back of a spoon to spread it (it will smush into the tomato sauce, which is fine). Scatter 1 cup of the mozzarella on top.
• Repeat the layering 2 more times. Top with the last 3 noodles, spread the last 3/4 cup tomato sauce over them and scatter the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan over the top. Spray a large piece of foil with cooking spray, and cover the baking dish.
• Bake until the noodles are soft and the cheese has melted, about 40 minutes. Remove the foil, and continue to bake until the cheese is bubbling and the lasagna is slightly browned around the edges, about 15 minutes more. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

UNCLE BILL'S VEGETARIAN LASAGNA

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan. Add chopped onion, chopped garlic and saute for 5 minutes, stirring often.
• Add chopped celery, diced green pepper, sliced mushrooms, chopped zucchini, and saute until vegetables are softened; about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add grated carrots an continue to saute until carrots are limp, about 3 minutes.
• Transfer ingredients to a large pot.
• Add mashed tomatoes and liquid, tomato sauce, parsle, oregano, basil bay leaf, white pepper, red hot pepper flakes and allspice.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1/2 hour, stirring occasionallhy.
• Blend in wine and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
• Adjust spices to taste.
• Thaw spinach, squeeze out liquid and discard, chop spinach small.
• Combine spinach with ricotta cheese, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, padano cheese, and set aside.
• TO ASSEMBLE.
• Preheat oven to 500°F.
• Aluminum foil baking pans are provided with (Ondine Delverde Lasagna).
• Use two - 8" x 8" x 2" aluminum pans and 10 sheets of lasagna.
• Spoon about 1/2" layer of the sauce into each 8" x 8" x 2" baking pans and press one lasagna sheet into the sauce.
• Add another 1/2" layer of sauce, then layer another lasagna sheet with grooves turned in opposite direction and press into the sauce.
• Add a 1/2" layer of the spinach/cheese mixture and press another lasagna sheet with grooves turned in opposite direction, press down firmly.
• Add another 1/2" layer of sauce and place another lasagna sheet with groovs in opposite direction and press down firmly.
• Add another 1/2" layer of spinach/cheese mixture and press another lasagna sheet down firmly.
• Cover the last lasagna sheet with another 1/2" layer of sauce.
• Sprinkle top generously with mozzarella cheese and padano cheese.
• Cover the aluminum baking pan tightly with aluminum foil, being careful not to let the foil touch the lasagna.
• Bake in preheated 500 F oven on the middle rack for 20 minutes.
• Uncover and continue to bake for another 10 minutes or until cheese melts.
• Remove from oven, cover with foil and let rest for about 5 minutes before cutting and serving. Cut into 4" x 4" squares for each serving.
• NOTE: Ondine Delverde Lasagna is a brand name and is sold in packages of 15 lasagna sheets and 3 aluminum foil baking pans. The lasagna is pre-cooked and is used as is. You can also use regular lasagna strips and cook as per instructions on package. Also, you can use fresh lasagna.

VEGGIE LASAGNA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Melt the butter in a large saute pan on medium heat. Add the zucchini and yellow squash and cook until slightly tender, about 4 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook for about 3 minutes. Add the spinach and turn off the heat. Toss to combine, letting the spinach wilt. Season with salt and pepper.
• Spray a 9-by-13-by-2-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Place 3 lasagna noodles on the bottom of the baking dish, forming 1 layer (the noodles may overlap). Layer one-third of the veggie mixture, one-third of the ricotta cheese and one-third of the Cherry Tomato Sauce in the dish, spreading each layer evenly. Top with 1/2 cup of the basil. Repeat a second time with the noodles, veggie mixture, ricotta and tomato sauce; top with the remaining 1/2 cup basil. Repeat a third time, but finish the top layer with the mozzarella.
• Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the aluminum foil, turn the oven to broil and broil on high until the cheese is crisp and golden, about 5 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Combine the tomatoes, oregano, thyme, parsley, olive oil, garlic and onions on a large baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper and toss, making sure everything is evenly coated. Bake until the tomatoes are golden and the onions are caramelized, about 20 minutes.
• Carefully peel the garlic, making sure not to burn your fingers. Transfer the ingredients to a blender and process until smooth. Check for seasoning and add more salt and pepper if desired. Reserve for later use.

INGRID'S VEGETARIAN LASAGNA

Steps:

• In the bottom of a 9 by 13-inch baking pan, spoon 1/2 cup of marinara sauce. Cover it with a layer of 3 or 4 spinach lasagna noodles to cover the bottom of the pan. Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce over the pasta, followed by 1 layer of breaded eggplant (about 8 slices). Cover the eggplant with a layer of Mozzarella, about 6 to 8 slices, cover with sauce and a layer of semolina lasagna and spread the lemon ricotta mixture evenly over the top. Cover with a layer of spinach lasagna noodles (6 to 8) and a layer of Provolone cheese. Top with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
• Refrigerate the lasagna until ready to bake. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes at 350 degrees until bubbly and golden brown. Allow 15 minutes for the lasagna to set before cutting and serving.

UNCLE VINCENT'S LASAGNA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• In a large saute pan, add the pork and beef with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and saute until no longer pink, about 3 to 4 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• In a deep, rectangular lasagna pan, add a thin layer of sauce to the bottom, then layer the lasagna strips evenly across the bottom of the pan to cover the entire surface, about 8 sheets of pasta.
• Sprinkle 1/4 of the cooked meat mixture over this, then lay out 8 slices of mortadella on top. Sprinkle 1/4 of the cubed mozzarella and 1/4 of the grated cheeses and top with a layer of tomato sauce.
• Repeat with another layer of 8 lasagna sheets to cover, then do a layer of prosciutto, mozzarella, another 1/4 of the grated cheese, 1/3 of the chopped herbs, another 1/4 of the cooked meat, and tomato sauce. Finish this layer with 1/2 of the chopped hard-boiled eggs.
• Repeat with another layer of lasagna, remaining prosciutto and mortadella, another 1/4 of the grated cheeses, another 1/3 of the chopped herbs, remaining chopped eggs, another 1/4 of the mozzarella, another 1/4 of the cooked meat, and sauce.
• Repeat with the last layer of lasagna, remaining cooked meat, remaining grated cheeses, remaining mozzarella, and a thin layer of tomato sauce. Sprinkle the top layer with the remaining chopped parsley and basil and fresh cracked black pepper.
• Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 1/2 hour, until cheeses melt and ingredients have melded. Try not to let the aluminum foil touch the top layer or the cheese will stick when you uncover.
• Uncover and let cool and set for about 1/2 hour before cutting so lasagna can absorb the liquid released by the cheeses.

UNCLE BILL'S VEGETABLE PAKORAS

Steps:

• BATTER.
• Sift flour into a mixing bowl.
• Add turmeric, cumin, chili powder and salt; mix well.
• Gradually ad warm water and mix to a semi-thick batter; set aside.
• VEGETABLES.
• In a medium size cooking pot, add potatoes, cover with water and bring to boil.
• Cover and cook until potatoes are tender, about 12 to 15 minutes.
• When potatoes are cooked, drain and mash potatoes; set aside to cool slightly.
• Chop cauliflower florets into small pieces; set aside.
• In a large frying pan, melt butter on medium heat.
• Add onions, garlic and ginger and sauté until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add cauliflower, peas, turmeric, cumin, salt and pepper; cover and sauté for another 3 minutes.
• Add this mixture to the slightly cooled potatoes and mix well to incorporate.
• Using a teaspoon, spoon mixture by spoonfuls.
• Rub your hands with some olive oil and form the spooned mixture into balls.
• Flatten to about 1/4 inch thickness.
• Dip into batter so that they are covered with batter, let excess drain off.
• In a frying pan, heat canola oil to 375°F.
• Drop battered pakoras into the hot oil and fry for about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes per side until they are light brown.
• Add more oil if required.
• Remove to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
• Serve with your favorite yogurt dip or ketchup.
• YOGURT DIP.
• In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, salt and pepper and refrigerate for 1 hour before using.

UNCLE BILL'S SWEET AND SOUR SAUCE

Steps:

• In a medium skillet combine the vinegar and sugar and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Add pineapple juice concentrate, monosodium glutamate, ketchup, soy sauce, seasoning salt and garlic powder and bring to a boil. Stir until well blended. Add red food coloring.
• Meanwhile, in a cup mix together water and cornstarch until fully dissolved. While sauce is boiling, add cornstarch mixture slowly, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens slightly. Do not add mixture all at once as the sauce could get too thick. Use only enough cornstarch to thicken to your desired consistency. When desired consistency is reached, voila! The sauce is ready!

WORLD'S BEST (NOW VEGETARIAN!) LASAGNA

Steps:

• Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring, until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in plant-based sausage, meat substitute crumbles, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, 1 tablespoon parsley, sugar, basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 1 1/2 hours.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add lasagna noodles; cook 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse noodles with cold water.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Meanwhile, stir together egg, ricotta, remaining 2 tablespoons parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl.
• To assemble lasagna, spread 1/3 of the sauce in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over sauce. Spread with 1/2 of the ricotta mixture. Top with 1/3 of the mozzarella slices. Spoon 1/3 of the sauce over mozzarella and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan. Repeat layers and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Bake, covered with cooking spray-coated foil, for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake until hot and bubbly, about 25 minutes more. Cool for 15 minutes before slicing into 12 equal servings.

UNCLE BILL'S CHICKEN STRIPS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Remove all fat from chicken breasts and cut into 1 inch by 4 inch strips. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. In a plastic resealable bag mix together the bread crumbs, grated cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper and dill weed.
• Dip each chicken strips into buttermilk mixture, then into bread crumb mixture (about 4 strips at a time), and toss to coat well. Place strips in a single layer in a 9x13 inch baking dish and drizzle with melted butter/margarine. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown, turning once after about 8 minutes of baking time.

UNCLE BILL'S BOLOGNESE SAUCE

Steps:

• In a large frying pan, heat oil and butter on medium-high heat.
• Add garlic and onions and saute until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add shredded carrots and celery and continue to saute for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Transfer the mixture to a large size cooking pot and heat on low until the the meat is ready.
• Using the same frying pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and meat cubes and lightly fry until all sides are browned, about 5 minutes.
• Drain any fat and discard.
• Transfer fried meat cubes to the cooking pot.
• To the cooking pot, add ground veal, ground pork and pancetta and fry for about 10 minutes or until no pink is showing on the veal and pork.
• To the cooking pod add crushed tomatoes including liquid, mushrooms including liquid, tomato paste, red and green peppers; mix well.
• Turn up the heat and bring to boil.
• Reduce heat to a light simmer.
• Add dried oregano, chopped fresh basil, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, sugar, salt, black pepper and dry red wine; sir well.
• Continue to simmer partially covered for at least 2 1/2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
• DO NOT let the bottom of the sauce burn.
• When done, remove bay leaves and discard.
• Serve the sauce over pasta of your choice and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
• NOTE: You may use lean ground round instead of the roast.

VEGETARIAN LASAGNA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease one 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Place a layer of tomatoes in the bottom of the baking dish, followed by a layer of noodles, spinach, carrots, zucchini, summer squash, eggplant and broccoli. Season to taste with oregano, salt and pepper. Repeat layering of ingredients until all are used up. If using cheeses sprinkle over broccoli layers and on top of dish.
• Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 25 to 35 minutes.