Description
This Smoky Skillet Lasagna with Crispy Lentils is a flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal that combines the rich flavors of lasagna with the crunchy goodness of crispy lentils. It’s a vegetarian twist on a classic favorite, perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
Olive Oil:
2 tablespoons
Cooked Lentils:
1 cup (drained and patted dry)
Onion:
1 small (diced)
Garlic:
3 cloves (minced)
Smoked Paprika:
1 teaspoon
Red Pepper Flakes:
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Dried Oregano:
1 teaspoon
Salt:
1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Crushed Tomatoes:
1 (28-ounce) can
Tomato Paste:
1/4 cup
Lasagna Noodles:
8–10 (broken into large pieces)
Water or Vegetable Broth:
2 cups
Whole Milk Ricotta:
1/2 cup
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:
1/2 cup
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
1/4 cup
Fresh Basil:
chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Crispy Lentils: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add cooked lentils in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes until crispy, then stir and continue to crisp for another 2–3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauce: Lower heat to medium and add remaining olive oil. Sauté diced onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste and stir to combine.
- Noodles: Add broken lasagna noodles and water or broth, making sure noodles are mostly submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender and sauce is thick.
- Cheese: Drop spoonfuls of ricotta over the top, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Transfer skillet to the oven and broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven, top with crispy lentils and fresh basil, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use canned lentils for convenience, but be sure to dry them well before crisping.
- For added smokiness, stir in a dash of liquid smoke or use fire-roasted tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Broiled
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
