Quinoa is a power food. If I could personally choose one food to eat for the rest of my life, it would be quinoa. Not only is it versatile, but it is the only food that provides you with all of the essential amino acids and nutrients that your body needs on its own! This means you get your protein, carbs, and fat from the quinoa alone, and you do not need to add any meat to your sauce like you would with pasta to get the protein in your meal.
Serves 4-6
- 2 large zucchini, cut into 12 thin, 1/4 in. thick slices
- salt
- 1 c. quinoa, rinsed
- 2 c. vegetable broth
- 1/2 c. tomato sauce
- 1/4 c. minced onion
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1/4 c. fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 c. fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 Tbsp organic or non-dairy cream cheese (I use feta/goat cheese)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jar organic marinara sauce [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][You could use homemade meat sauce to up the protein value]
- 1/2 c. organic or non-dairy cheese ( I used more feta/goat cheese)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400. To prepare zucchini, cut a strip off of one side to make a flat base Then, thinly slice lengthwise zucchini into “lasagna noodles.” Place noodles in a colander and sprinkle with salt, layering between paper towels. Let this sit and absorb moisture while preparing the quinoa.
- Combine quinoa, vegetable broth, tomato sauce, onion and oregano in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover and lower heat, simmering for 20 minutes When quinoa has absorbed all the liquid, fold in cream cheese and herbs. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour enough of marinara in the bottom of an 8×8 baking dish to cover the bottom. Using a clean dry towel, blot remaining moisture and salt from zucchini and layer 4 noodles across the sauce [ I used 5 per layer] Put a layer of quinoa across the zucchini, and cover with another 1/3 c. of marinara sauce. Repeat with another layer of quinoa, sauce and zucchini. Top the final layer of zucchini with remaining sauce and 1/2 c. of cheese, if using. Bake lasagna for 30 minutes, until heated through and zucchini is tender.
Enjoy!
ashley dale roy[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]