Recipe: Lasagna with Zucchini and Walnuts (freeze ahead)

LASAGNA WITH ZUCCHINI AND WALNUTS

2 medium zucchini
4 teaspoons olive oil, divided use
2 large carrots, finely chopped
2 large onions, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups purchased marinara sauce
1 tablespoon snipped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
6 no-boil lasagna noodles
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Trim ends off zucchini; thinly slice zucchini lengthwise. (You should have 9 slices in total, about 1/8-inch thick.) Place in a single layer on a lightly greased baking sheet; brush lightly with 1 teaspoon olive oil.

Broil 3 to 4 inches from heat for 5 minutes or till crisp-tender, turning once. Let cool before handling.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a large saucepan, heat the remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add carrot, onion, and garlic. Cook and stir about 5 minutes or till tender.

Add marinara sauce, basil, and pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In a small mixing bowl toss together the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese; set aside.

In a greased 2-quart square baking dish, arrange 2 noodles. Spread with a third of the sauce. Sprinkle with a third of the nuts. Top with a third of the zucchini; sprinkle with a third of the cheese mixture. Repeat layering, alternating direction of the zucchini in each layer and finishing with the zucchini; set remaining cheese aside.

Bake, covered in a 375 degrees F. oven for 20 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with remaining cheese mixture.

Bake, uncovered, about 20 minutes more or till the lasagna is heated through. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving for easier cutting.

MAKE-AHEAD DIRECTIONS:
Prepare as directed, but do not bake. Wrap, label, and freeze. Freeze cheese for topping separately. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Bake, covered, in 350 degrees F oven for 1 hour. Sprinkle with reserved cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes more or till the cheese is golden and the lasagna is heated through. Let stand about 15 minutes before serving.

Servings: 6
Adapted from source: Better Homes and Gardens