Happy Monday, hope you had a great weekend!
Ben and I had one of the best couple of days on record. Friday night he asked if he could take me to the Farmers’ Market in the morning (seriously? Swoon!) so off we went, bright and early on Saturday. It was a beautiful day and the flowers and asparagus in particular were calling our name – as well as the dozen or so people we ran into at the market that we knew. Felt like the whole town was there!
A special shout also goes out to the Zinnia vendor who took this stunning picture for me after watching me take bad photo after photo. The colors were so striking and I wanted a new summer-themed backdrop on my phone so bad, but I was too short and the flowers were too tall and, well, all was nearly lost until she took pity on me and shot the dang thing herself. Baha! Moving on…
We decided to forego Pupusas (still slightly upset about that…) for brunch at a nearby popular breakfast joint afterwards – Waveland Cafe. This place is a Des Moines institution and I am slightly ashamed that I have never been. Located in the Drake University neighborhood, it’s no frills and slightly eclectic, plus they serve the best dang hash browns. Period. So glad I finally went!
Home was the last place we wanted to head on such a beautiful day, so we hopped over to our new neighborhood to time distances to the grocery store and such, and check out the nearby trails.
I feel like such a wretched traitor for saying this, but the trails near our new home kick the trails at our current home’s boo-tay. Like, slightly puts them to shame. Poor trails. I cannot wait to tie my laces up and get out there for a jog. Not much longer now!
After that we decided to continue the fun with a round of mini golf! I chose the hottest pink ball I could find, of course.
The last time Ben and I played mini golf, about 4 years ago, we got into the biggest argument ever. Neither of us remember what it was about (we probably didn’t even know 5 minutes after,) but thankfully this time was much more pleasant!
The conversation, anyway, not so much the game. I just suck at golf! My score for 18 holes, including two penalty shots for landing in the rocks at hole 4 in the water at hole 17? 65. SIXTY FIVE.Â
Afterwards, Ben hit at the neighboring driving range for a bit then I convinced him to stop at Scratch Cupcakery on the way home, FTW. As if he needed any extra convincing. Devoured his chocolate chip cupcake in record time then declared it the best cupcake he ever had. HA!
Yesterday I worked on a bunch of freelance projects then broke to put some of my farmers’ market finds to good use in Farmers’ Market Vegetable Lasagna!Â
A few months ago I helped judge a local culinary competition called Morsel Combat which benefits Meals from the Heartland, a local non-profit that provides food to starving people all over the world – right here from IA. The competition brings out well-known local chefs who cook bite-sized portions of yummy dishes for people to try, which are also judged by a panel of local foodies.
Among all the dishes that were submitted at the event, the winner we chose was a Raw Vegan Lasagna from Fresh Cafe & Market. None of the judges, including myself, exclusively eat raw or vegan, but we were all in agreement that the fresh, light dish complete with walnuts that tasted like Italian sausage, and cashew cheese that was a creamy as any dairy-based product, was absolutely incredible.
While I have no idea how to make walnuts taste like sausage, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about that lasagna, so I created a cooked version that incorporates fresh-picked veggies from the market like zucchini, yellow squash, basil, and shallots, with chewy lasagna noodles and bright marinara sauce in a fantastic, summery dish!
Lasagna is a bit more involved than the recipes I normally post here on IGE, but I promise this one’s worth it. Start by boiling 10oz lasagna noodles. I know a lot of lasagna recipes these days call for no-cook noodles which are incredibly convenient, but Ben hates ’em and I’m not completely sold either. I like the thick, firm and chewy noodles of yesteryear, myself!
After the noodles are done cooking lay them out on a nonstick sprayed baking sheet, spraying the tops of the noodles to layer, then set aside.
Meanwhile, drain 24oz fat-free cottage cheese in a fine mesh strainer, using a spatula to press and make sure all the liquid is gone. If you con’t have a fine mesh strainer, place a piece of cheesecloth in a regular strainer.
By the way, I grew up eating cottage cheese in place of ricotta cheese in my Mom’s lasagna, and I just love it. The cottage cheese provides a lean protein punch and, furthermore, tastes really good. That being said, if you hate cottage cheese more than anything, use ricotta instead!
After the cottage cheese is drained, add it to a large bowl then stir in 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup packed fresh basil that’s been roughly chopped. Mix then set aside.
K – time to get your chop on! Chop up 4 cloves garlic, 2 large shallots (or 1 small sweet onion) and 2 medium-sized zucchini and summer squash.
Heat 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a very large skillet over medium heat then saute the shallots until translucent. Add the garlic and saute for 30 more seconds then turn the heat up to medium high, add the zucchini and summer squash, and then saute until they barely start to turn translucent, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Next add 24oz of your favorite marinara sauce. I used Ginos, of course!
Turn the heat down to medium and let the veggies simmer in the sauce until they’re crisp-tender. Don’t let ’em get mushy!
Assembly time! Normally I’d make this lasagna in a 9×13″ dish, but I decided to split it into 2-8×8″ dishes so I can freeze one for an easy, post-baby meal. First spread a small amount of the veggie sauce in the bottom of the nonstick sprayed dish.
Top with 3 lasagna noodles and 1/3 of the cottage cheese/basil mixture.
Spoon on 1/3 of the remaining veggie mixture, and then top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers 2 more times, top with a bit of parmesan cheese then bake for 20 minutes covered with foil and 15-20 minutes uncovered.
Allow to rest for 15 minutes before slicing (or 5 in my case – I was starving!) then serve!
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Farmers’ Market Vegetable Lasagna
Description
Farmers' Market Vegetable Lasagna is a hearty yet fresh lasagna that's especially tasty in the summer.
Ingredients
- 10oz lasagna noodles
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large shallots or 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium zucchini, chopped
- 2 medium yellow summer squash, chopped
- salt and pepper
- 24oz marinara sauce
- 24oz fat-free cottage cheese, drained well
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup packed fresh basil, chopped
- 8oz shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
- Add lasagna noodles to a large pot of salted, boiling water. Cook until al dente then drain and lay on a nonstick sprayed baking sheet. Spray tops of noodles to stack on top of one another if necessary.
- Heat extra virgin olive oil in a very large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots or onion then saute until softened, 3-4 minutes, then add garlic and saute for 30 more seconds. Add zucchini and summer squash, season with salt and pepper, then saute until crisp tender, 4-5 minutes. Add marinara sauce then turn heat down and simmer until zucchini and squash are al dente, 5-7 minutes (a splatter screen is helpful.) Do not overcook or vegetables will be mushy. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl combine drained cottage cheese, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, and chopped basil then set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees then spray a 9x13" pan (could use 2-8x8" pans) with non-stick spray. Spread a small amount of the vegetable mixture into the bottom then layer in 3 cooked lasagna noodles followed by 1/3 of the cottage cheese mixture, 1/3 of the remaining vegetable mixture, and 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers 2 more times.
- Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup parmesan cheese on top then cover pan with nonstick sprayed foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil then bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Some marinara sauces can get a little watery when heated. Spoon out extra liquid from zucchini/squash/marinara mixture before layering lasagna to prevent a watery lasagna.
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
This lasagna was light yet filling, and I loved how the zucchini still had a bit of a bite since I didn’t cook it too long in the sauce. Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy the flavors of summer!
Trish - Mom On Timeout 06.10.2013
So excited that it’s Farmers Market season again! So many gorgeous fruits and veggies to be enjoyed :) This lasagna looks scrumptious!
Julie 06.10.2013
this looks yum. Probably a dumb question, but do you have to drain the ricotta, if you decide to go that route?
Smart to freeze one post-bebe. You wont feel like cooking, or have free arms :)
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl 06.10.2013
I love vegetable lasagna, and yours looks perfect! Let’s talk more about those cupcakes though… woah! :)
Kristin 06.10.2013
LOL, cottage cheese in lasgna is such a Midwestern thing. Just like Miracle Whip instead of mayo. (Says this MN girl who has lived in the South most of my adult life). I’m afraid of how watery the lasagna would be from using so much squash and zucchini. Maybe I would salt and drain it in a colader first.
erin @hooleywithaz 06.10.2013
oh, the day my husband voluntarily takes me to the farmer’s market…i’m still waiting, although he’s normally a good sport when i drag him there.
Ali | Gimme Some Oven 06.10.2013
Love this! Such a great way to use up fresh summer veg!
And the pictures of you two golfing are too cute (with your hot pink golf ball)!!
Tracy 06.10.2013
Looks delish! And what a fun weekend, too!
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking 06.10.2013
Such a scrumptious looking lasagna, and I love all the fresh veggies you used from your weekend trip to the farmer’s market! Great recipe, thanks for sharing!
Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch 06.10.2013
Love the look of this fresh vegetable lasagna!!! Nothing like fresh veggies from your local farmers’ market!!!
Kristin from MN 06.10.2013
Congrats on the new house and the new baby! Where did you get your cute jacket?
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche 06.10.2013
Haha I love mini golf but in my experience it ALWAYS ends in an argument ;) this lasagne looks so fresh and tasty, perfect for all the warm weather we’ve been having!
Ashley 06.10.2013
That lasagna looks delicious! I use zucchini instead of noodles to lower the carb. count, but I love the idea of Farmer’s Market lasagna! I also love cottage cheese in place of ricotta! YUM! P.S. Those cupcakes look amazing and those flowers are beautiful!!!
Becky @ Olives n Wine 06.10.2013
You Saturday sounds just about perfect – Farmer’s Market, brunch, mini-golf and CUPCAKES!!! Oh that chocolate chip-covered cupcakes looks like Heaven :) I can’t wait to try your veggie lasagna recipe. I love the idea of throwing in veggies from the farmers market!
Kelsey 06.10.2013
I’m an Iowa girl living in Wisconsin and I get teased for using cottage cheese in lasagna but it’s my favorite! Just how mom makes it. Thanks for the yummy recipe!
Laura 06.10.2013
What part of town are you moving to? I live in the Urbandale/Clive area and have lots of trails nearby!
Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats 06.10.2013
Yum! I love throwing veggies into pasta dishes (good way to hide them for picky eaters!).
On a side note – I was just in touch with Scratch in CF as they are doing their summer Curbside tours with their cupcake truck and they are coming to Muscatine (where I work). I’m so excited to show that town one of our FAVORITE desserts!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More 06.10.2013
Those cupcakes look heavenly! And I’m glad you ended the post with a veggie based lasagna so I’m not left craving sugar. ;) I’m awful at mini golf too but at least it’s still fun!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl 06.10.2013
This looks SO good. I am such a fan of lasagna, and the more veggies the better :).
Your breakfast from Waveland Cafe looks awesome. Thanks for the recommendation. I will have to check it out the next time that I am in Des Moines.
Tieghan 06.10.2013
What a pretty lasagna! All those veggies look so yummy!
Kim | Making 40 Fantastic 06.10.2013
Every time we’ve moved, we love to find the new grocery, new parks, etc. So happy for you that you’ve found great trails! PS ~ This Veggie Lasagna will be a great way to get veggies into my family in a delicious way! Can’t wait to try this.