How do you make Michael Angelo's vegetable lasagna?

If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying vegetarian meal, you can’t go wrong with Michael Angelo’s vegetable lasagna. Michael Angelo is a renowned chef and restaurateur who has been serving authentic Italian cuisine for over 30 years. His vegetable lasagna is one of his signature dishes and a crowd favorite.

It’s loaded with fresh vegetables, homemade marinara sauce, and three kinds of cheese. It’s also easy to make at home with simple ingredients and equipment. I’ll show you how to make Michael Angelo’s vegetable lasagna step by step. You’ll also find some tips and tricks to make it even better.

Ingredients

To make Michael Angelo’s vegetable lasagna, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 package of lasagna noodles (about 12 sheets)
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 onion, chopped

4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 carrot, peeled and diced
1 zucchini, diced

1 yellow squash, diced
1 eggplant, diced
Salt and pepper, to taste

4 cups of marinara sauce (see below for how to make it)
2 cups of ricotta cheese
1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

You can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. For the best flavor and quality, look for organic and fresh produce, cheese, and eggs. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free lasagna noodles if you prefer.

Equipment

To make the lasagna, you’ll need the following equipment:

A large pot for boiling the noodles
A colander for draining the noodles
A large skillet for sautéing the vegetables

A medium saucepan for making the sauce
A 9×13 inch baking dish for assembling the lasagna
A knife and a cutting board for chopping the ingredients

A cheese grater for grating the cheese
A measuring cup and spoons for measuring the ingredients
A mixing bowl and a whisk for mixing the ricotta mixture

A spatula for spreading the sauce and cheese
An oven mitt for handling the hot baking dish
A sharp knife or a pizza cutter for slicing the lasagna

A serving spatula for serving the lasagna

You probably have most of these items in your kitchen already. If not, you can easily find them at any kitchenware store or online.

Preparing the Sauce

The secret to Michael Angelo’s vegetable lasagna is his homemade marinara sauce. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy to make. Here’s how to do it:

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Add 1 onion, chopped, and 4 cloves of garlic, minced. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 15 minutes.
Add 4 cups of tomato sauce, 1/4 cup of water, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until slightly thickened, about 20 minutes.

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

You can also use canned or jarred marinara sauce if you’re short on time or ingredients. Just make sure to choose a high-quality brand with no added sugar or preservatives.

Preparing the Vegetables

The next step is to prepare the vegetables for the lasagna. You’ll need 1 carrot, 1 zucchini, 1 yellow squash, and 1 eggplant, all diced into small pieces. Here’s how to cook them:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Add the carrot, zucchini, yellow squash, and eggplant. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and slightly browned, about 25 minutes.
Transfer to a large plate and set aside.

You can also use other vegetables that you like or have on hand, such as mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes and cook them until soft.

Assembling the Lasagna

Now that you have the sauce and the vegetables ready, it’s time to assemble the lasagna. You’ll need 1 package of lasagna noodles, cooked according to the package directions and drained. You’ll also need 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 eggs, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Here’s how to do it:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and nutmeg until well combined.
Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Arrange 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them.

Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Sprinkle 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta mixture.
Spoon half of the vegetable mixture over the cheese, spreading it evenly.

Repeat with another layer of sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese, and vegetable mixture.
Top with the remaining sauce and noodles, making sure to cover the edges.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly browned.
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

The importance of the cheese layers is that they add creaminess and richness to the lasagna, as well as binding the ingredients together. The tips for achieving a neat and tidy presentation are to cut the noodles to fit the baking dish, overlap them slightly, and cover the edges with sauce and cheese.

Baking the Lasagna

The baking process is simple and straightforward. You just need to follow the instructions above and use the right temperature and time. The importance of letting the lasagna rest before serving is that it allows the lasagna to set and firm up, making it easier to slice and serve. It also helps the flavors to meld and intensify.

Serving Suggestions

To serve the lasagna, you can garnish it with some fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness. You can also serve it with some side dishes to complement the lasagna, such as:

A green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing
Garlic bread or breadsticks
Roasted or steamed vegetables

A glass of red wine or sparkling water

You can also store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can microwave it for a few minutes, or bake it in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through.

Tips and Tricks

To make the perfect vegetable lasagna, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:

Use a sharp knife to cut the vegetables into small and even pieces, so they cook faster and more evenly.
Drain the cooked noodles well and pat them dry with a paper towel, to prevent them from becoming soggy or sticking together.
Use a generous amount of sauce and cheese, to keep the lasagna moist and flavorful.

Don’t overfill the baking dish, to avoid spilling or bubbling over.
Don’t cut the lasagna while it’s still hot, to avoid it falling apart or losing its shape.

Some common mistakes to avoid during the cooking process are:

Undercooking or overcooking the noodles, which can make them too hard or too soft.
Burning or scorching the sauce, which can ruin the taste and texture.
Overcooking or undercooking the vegetables, which can make them too mushy or too crunchy.

Skipping the resting time, which can make the lasagna difficult to slice and serve.

FAQ

How many servings does this recipe make?

A: This recipe makes about 12 servings, depending on the size of your slices.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe vegan or dairy-free by using vegan cheese or dairy-free cheese alternatives, such as cashew cheese, almond cheese, or soy cheese. You can also use vegan eggs or flax eggs instead of regular eggs.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time or freeze it?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time or freeze it. To make it ahead of time, you can assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it

How do you make Michael Angelo’s vegetable lasagna?