Family Favorite Vegetable Lasagna

Ingredients

• 8 cups zucchini (unpeeled & shredded)
• 3/4 lb mushroom, coarsely chopped
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 (19 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup water

• 1 (5 1/2 ounce) can tomato paste
• 3 teaspoons italian seasoning
• pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon sugar, if needed
• 9 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups part-skim cottage cheese
• 2 cups part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 egg, lightly beaten (optional)
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. 2

   In a large nonstick pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.

3. 3

   Add zucchini, mushrooms, onions and garlic, and cook until tender.

4. 4

   Add tomatoes, water, tomato paste and Italian seasoning.

5. 5

   Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until mixture has spaghetti sauce consistency, stirring occasionally.

6. 6

   Season with pepper to taste and add sugar if too acidic.

7. 7

   In large pot of boiling water, cook lasagna noodles as directed on package (usually 10 to 12 minutes) until tender but firm.

8. 8

   Drain and rinse under cold water the drain again.

9. 9

   Combine cottage cheese, mozzarella, egg and half of Parmesan.

10. 10

    Cover bottom of 13 x 9 inch baking dish with a bit of the tomato sauce.

11. 11

    Place 1 layer of cooked noodles in dish.

12. 12

    Cover with half of cheese mixture.

13. 13

    Repeat with remaining sauce, noodles and cheeses to make 3 layers of each ending with a final layer of tomato sauce.

14. 14

    Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.

15. 15

    Bake for 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

16. 16

    Remove from oven and allow to stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.