When you're fighting an infestation of large, ant-like aliens with acid blood you can work up quite the appetite. Whether you are vegetarian or just looking for a pasta alternative, zucchini lasagna is delicious and looks just like an alien burst through your chest cavity. Or… something more appetizing than that.
Of course, if you want to take a more Predator approach, you can add all the meat you want to it to really beef it up.
Here are two ways to enjoy "The Special" (Spaceballs pun!)
Vegetarian Alien Special
Ingredients:
2 Medium zucchini
1 ½ cup Diced tomatoes
1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup Ricotta cheese
1 tbs Extra virgin olive oil
9 oz Firm Tofu
1 tsp Garlic powder
1 tsp Onion powder
1 tsp Basil
1 tsp Oregano
1 tsp Salt
Ingredients make approximately 2 layers in a 9x5 inch casserole dish
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Peel 2 medium zucchinis
Slice the zucchini length wise in semi-thick strips (about 1/8 inch thick)
Sprinkle a little bit of salt on each slice and wrap in a paper towel to remove excess water
Let zucchini sit in paper towel for 10-15 minutes
Cut firm tofu brick into 3rds and separate 2/3rd (9 oz) for use
Coat a frying pan with 1 tbs of extra virgin olive oil
Brown the 9oz of tofu in the frying pan on medium to low heat, cutting the brink into smaller, bite-sized chunks while browning
Remove tofu from frying pan and set on plate for later use
Remove zucchini strips from paper towel and put in frying pan
Gently brown on low heat to remove any excess water
Add 1 ½ cup diced tomatoes to a sauce pot on medium heat
Add garlic powder, onion powder, basil, and oregano
Bring tomatoes to a simmer and stir in the seasoning
Add the browned tofu to the sauce
Spray 9x5 inch casserole dish with no-stick spray or coat with a thin layer of olive oil
Layer the bottom with zucchini slices
Add a layer of tomatoes and tofu
Add ½ cup of ricotta cheese and spread evenly
Sprinkle ½ cup mozzarella cheese evenly across the layer
Repeat layering until all ingredients are used
Bake in oven for 35 minutes until cheese is browned on top
Meaty Vegetarian Special
Ingredients:
2 Medium zucchini
1 ½ cup Diced tomatoes
1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup Ricotta cheese
1 tbs Extra virgin olive oil
1 lbs ground beef
1 tsp Garlic powder
1 tsp Onion powder
1 tsp Basil
1 tsp Oregano
1 tsp Salt
Ingredients make approximately 2 layers in a 9x5 inch casserole dish
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Peel 2 medium zucchinis
Slice the zucchini length wise in semi-thick strips (about 1/8 inch thick)
Sprinkle a little bit of salt on each slice and wrap in a paper towel to remove excess water
Let zucchini sit in paper towel for 10-15 minutes
Coat a frying pan with 1 tbs of extra virgin olive oil
Brown the 1 lbs of ground beef in the frying pan on medium to low heat, cutting into smaller, bite-sized chunks while browning
Remove beef from frying pan and set on plate for later use
Remove zucchini strips from paper towel and put in frying pan
Gently brown on low heat to remove any excess water
Add 1 ½ cup diced tomatoes to a sauce pot on medium heat
Add garlic powder, onion powder, basil, and oregano
Bring tomatoes to a simmer and stir in the seasoning
Add the browned beef to the sauce
Spray 9x5 inch casserole dish with no-stick spray or coat with a thin layer of olive oil
Layer the bottom with zucchini slices
Add a layer of tomatoes and beef
Add ½ cup of ricotta cheese and spread evenly
Sprinkle ½ cup mozzarella cheese evenly across the layer
Repeat layering until all ingredients are used
Bake in oven for 35 minutes until cheese is browned on top
You can also add Italian sausage for some spice and extra meat. Cook the sausage in the oven before adding to the sauce or slicing up and adding as an additional layer to the lasagna.
Whether you want an Alien Special or a Predator one, you'll be happy devouring this delicious dish.