Are you looking for a delicious and hearty vegetarian dish that will satisfy even the most carnivorous of appetites? Look no further than this Mushroom and Polenta Lasagna recipe! This unique twist on a classic comfort food combines earthy mushrooms, creamy polenta, and gooey cheese for a dish that is sure to become a new family favorite. In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps to create this mouthwatering meal, from preparing the ingredients to assembling the lasagna and baking it to perfection. So grab your apron and get ready to impress your loved ones with this scrumptious Mushroom and Polenta Lasagna!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of polenta
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 pound of mixed mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of marinara sauce
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in the polenta and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the polenta is thick and creamy.
- While the polenta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they are browned and tender, about 8-10 minutes. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the polenta in an even layer on the bottom of the baking dish. Top with half of the mushroom mixture and half of the marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining polenta, mushrooms, marinara sauce, and cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Tips:
- You can customize this lasagna by adding other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
- For a vegan version, use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Just reheat in the oven before serving.
Conclusion:
Enjoy this delicious and hearty Mushroom and Polenta Lasagna as a comforting meal for your family and friends. The creamy polenta, savory mushrooms, and gooey cheese come together to create a satisfying dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.