recipes4 min read
Veggie Lasagna
2026-03-13
Rate this recipe
5 / 5 (1 rating)
⏱️
Prep Time
20 min
🔥
Cook Time
45 min
🍽️
Servings
4
Nutrition per Serving
380
calories
18g
protein
42g
carbs
16g
fat
* Nutritional values are estimates
Ingredients
- ✓8 gluten-free lasagna noodles
- ✓Sauce:
- ✓4 carrots, sliced
- ✓1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional — omit for strict nightshade-free)
- ✓1 tbsp passion fruit
- ✓1 tbsp olive oil
- ✓1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ✓1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- ✓1 tbsp garlic scapes, chopped (if available)
- ✓1 tsp salt
- ✓Vegetables & Cheese:
- ✓1 cup sweet potato, diced
- ✓4 carrots, sliced
- ✓1 cup zucchini, sliced
- ✓2 cups spinach
- ✓1/2 cup oyster mushrooms (optional)
- ✓1–2 cups mozzarella, shredded
- ✓1/2 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- ✓2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- 1Preheat oven to 425°F. Prep all vegetables. Boil lasagna noodles according to package directions if needed.
- 2For the sauce: add sliced carrots to a pan with 1/4 cup water. Cook for 4 minutes. Add red bell pepper (if using) and passion fruit. Cook 2–3 more minutes until al dente. Add basil, Italian seasoning, olive oil, garlic scapes (if using), and salt. Mash with a potato masher until a sauce-like consistency forms.
- 3For the filling: heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté carrots for 4–5 minutes. Add sweet potatoes and cook 2 more minutes. Add zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms (if using) and cook until al dente, about 2–3 minutes. Drain in a colander to remove excess liquid.
- 4Layer the lasagna in an 8x8 baking dish: noodles, sauce, vegetables, mozzarella and provolone. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up, finishing with cheese on top.
- 5Cover loosely with parchment paper or foil (do not let it touch the cheese). Bake covered for 20 minutes.
- 6Remove cover, rotate pan 180°, and bake uncovered for an additional 10–12 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling.
- 7Remove from oven and let rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Recipe adapted from: Unknown
About This Recipe
This lasagna skips the traditional tomato sauce in favor of a carrot-based sauce that is naturally nightshade-free (just omit the optional bell pepper). The result is a rich, savory lasagna packed with vegetables and melty cheese that is satisfying for everyone — not just those avoiding nightshades.
Nightshade-Free Notes
- The sauce: Carrots, passion fruit, and herbs replace tomatoes — the mashed carrot base creates a surprisingly hearty sauce with good body and color
- Bell pepper: The one nightshade in this recipe — simply omit it for a fully nightshade-free dish
- All other vegetables (sweet potato, zucchini, spinach, mushrooms) are nightshade-free
Ingredient Notes
- Gluten-free noodles: Most GF lasagna noodles do not require pre-boiling — check your package, as oven-ready ones save a step
- Passion fruit: Adds a subtle brightness to the sauce that replaces the acidity of tomatoes; omit if unavailable and the sauce will still work
- Garlic scapes: Low-FODMAP alternative to garlic — use when in season or use garlic-infused olive oil instead.
- Oyster mushrooms: Optional but add a meaty texture; shiitake or cremini can substitute. Be mindful of FODMAP content if following a strict low-FODMAP diet.
Cooking Tips
- Drain the veggies well: Excess liquid from the sautéed vegetables will make the lasagna watery — take a few minutes to let them drain in a colander
- Mash the sauce thoroughly: The more you mash the carrots, the smoother and more sauce-like the consistency
- Let it rest: The 15–20 minute rest after baking is important — it allows the layers to set so the lasagna slices cleanly
- Make ahead: Assemble the day before, refrigerate unbaked, and add 10 minutes to the covered bake time
Modifications
- Add ricotta: Spread a layer of ricotta between the vegetables and cheese for a creamier texture
- More vegetables: Eggplant (a nightshade, so omit if needed), roasted red onion, or artichoke hearts all work well
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based mozzarella — the carrot sauce is already dairy-free
- Add heat: Red pepper flakes mixed into the sauce add a gentle kick
#dinner#vegetarian#nightshade-friendly#gluten-free#italian#comfort-food#make-ahead#casserole
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