4 Tips to Spice Up Your Lasagna

Did you know that lasagna’s roots trace all the way back to Ancient Rome? It was also a staple dish in the classic 1970s cartoon Garfield. Through this all, lasagna was made almost the same – a particular type of pasta with alternating layers of different ingredients and sauces. It can be made with meats, cheese or entirely out of plant-based vegetables.

Luckily, today is National Lasagna Day, which means you can join in and enjoy the complex flavors reminiscent of Italian decadence.

4 Tips to Spice Up Your Lasagna

Lasagna is traditionally made up of pasta, cheese and sauce with the ability to add meat or veggies. I’m here to tell you there are so many ways to spice up your traditional recipe! Don’t be afraid to get creative – I’m sure you’ll love it!

1. Mix in chopped veggies to your cheese, sauces or meat layers for added flavor. Think spinach, kale, peppers, onions, eggplant, zucchini, I can go on and on!

2. Add some spice or herbs to try out different flavors. Cilantro, oregano, dried parsley and red pepper flakes can all add a delicious flavor!

3. Swap the pasta layers for veggies! Eggplant and zucchini make for a fun twist, but still offer enough sturdiness and texture to hold it together.

4. Switch up the protein! Traditionally beef is used in lasagna, but don’t be afraid to try ground turkey or chicken or even tofu. Each type of protein will add its own flavor and texture

Besides just changing up the ingredients, consider changing up the way you’re serving it! Instead of traditionally serving in a dish – try stuffing individual lasagna noodles (or eggplant/zucchini slices) with the mixture and then rolling them up. I promise they’ll be a hit!

Heart-Healthy Tip

As well as spicing up your lasagna, it’s important to still keep in mind how you can maximize the nutritional value in your dish.

Opt for low-fat, low sodium cheese – it will still have plenty of flavor, but more heart healthy!
Choose whole grain noodles for more fiber and vitamins and minerals
Make your own tomato sauce if you can – that way you’ll be more aware of what is going into your dish. And you’ll be able to cater the flavor of the sauce to your specific dish!

Let yourself get creative in the kitchen when preparing this dish for yourself, your friends, and your family to share. And try new ingredients when cooking. It’s one of the best ways to explore the world of food and expand your flavor horizons.

Your turn to take action:How will you make lasagna special to you? Let me know in the comments below!