Easy Veggie-ful Lasagna

Lasagna is one of those once in a while comfort foods that can warm up even the coldest NYC belly. 

Unfortunately, its one of those things that I usually feel pretty guilty about eating. All of that cheesy, carby goodness can take back a week's worth of workouts in one plate. Luckily, it doesn't always have to be unhealthy and is worth the effort (and calories). 

My version is relatively easy, cheap and pretty fun to make - and its really, really good.

What you'll need: 

• lasagna noodles
• Parmesan cheese
• pre-shredded cheese 
• 2 jars of pasta sauce 
• 2 roma tomatoes
• 1 zucchini
• 1 tub of fat free ricotta
• a handful of mushrooms
• funion
• frozen peppers
• frozen spinach
• garlic salt, chilli flakes, Italian seasoning, salt & pepper
• about an hour or two of your time

thanks Whole Foods!

Thaw the frozen spinach in a strainer, pat dry with paper town and stir into the ricotta cheese.

Chop and saute the other veggies in a bit of olive oil with the spices that you like.

mmmmmm

Starting with a layer of pasta sauce, layer veggies with a bit of cheese, seasoning, top with boiled + drained pasta. Add a layer of ricotta + spinach. Repeat until the dish is full.

Top with more cheese, sliced roma tomatoes and  more seasoning.

oooh layers

Bake at 400 until the top is crispy.

o baby

goes well with Red and Sriracha

My version has nothing on my mom's lasagna, but it is a pretty close second.

For a lighter take, check out my eggplant / zucchini parm bake here - Eggplant + Zucchini Asiago Bake

What's your go to comfort food? How was your weekend???

My 1st American Thanksgiving!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend and that you had a few days off to relax with loved ones!

This past Thursday, I gathered at BF’s house with 11 other Canadians to celebrate Thanksgiving.

mmm jello shots, sriacha & hummus - class for days :)

Each of us made something different & we had TONS of food! I made a blueberry pie and baked maple sweet potatoes with butternut squash. Everything was super yummy! Here are some pics to give you an idea of what we were working with.

my plate - stuffing, sweet potatoes & mashed potatoes.

one of the boys' plates

BF's masterpiece - I didn't have any , but the others enjoyed!

my 2nd pie ever - blueberry

Recipes -

Sweet potatoes: I used a package of precut fresh sweet potatoes from Trader Joes &  added a package of fresh chopped butternut squash too. I added a lot of brown sugar and axed the coconut and pecans. This was even better on the 2^nd day.

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/maple-glazed-sweet-potatoes/

Blueberry pie:  I ended up using a few too many blueberries & it didn’t really hold together under the crust. It tasted pretty great on top of some ice cream though!

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/blueberry-pie/detail.aspx

all done! sweet potatoes in the background!

 On Wednesday night, I went to Beauty & Essex for a girlfriend’s birthday. They had delicious food, a beautiful space and incredible cocktails (which were also incredibly strong teehee). This place was a little pricey, but it turned out to be a perfect girls night out spot. In the ladies room, there is a bar where they give you free champagne. Not much else better than that!

http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/beauty-essex/

How was your Thanksgiving? 

I’m off to clean my apartment as I have some guests coming into town! This will count as my workout (haha).

My idea of fast food

Vanessa’s Dumplings is one of my favorite places to go in New York.

I insist that I get to go once every 2 weeks – otherwise, I go through dumpling withdrawal.

Why should you go here?

Crazy cheap.
Tasty.
Filling.

It is always mad busy = great sign. It is extremely affordable. For 2 people, you can get a ton of food for under $10. They make the dumplings, soups, buns and pancake sandwiches right in front of you in a open kitchen (very exciting / fun / entertaining).

If you’re in the city, here are some tips on how to survive this crazy-loud yet lovable spot:

1) Look at the menu outside & decide what you want before going in. Get to the counter & order quickly. You may need to shout.
2) Have money ready, pay and hang on to your receipt.
3) Shuffle down to the counter and watch in awe as the dumpling ladies move methodically while cooking.

4) Listen carefully for your receipt number & hand your receipt to a dumpling lady when you hear it.
5) Get it to go. Ask for extra hot sauce.

6) Go home & enjoy over a movie.

My favorite thing on the menu – boiled veggie dumplings. (Extra hot sauce please). These are filled with mushroom, little pieces of tofu, hoisin sauce, carrot, onions and scallions. You can get these guys in soup  or on a plate.

hot & sour soup w/ veggie dumplings - under $5. unbelievable enjoyment - priceless

in soup

Veggie bun!!! (photo from flickr)

BF's pork buns (teehee)

 I almost always have to get a veggie bun while I’m there. These things are only a $1.50.

If you go, you should probably get one too…. And a hot & sour soup!

http://www.yelp.com/biz/vanessas-dumpling-house-new-york

I hope you’re having a good week. This is a short work week for me – unfortunately it is going sloooooooowly. I just want it to be EOD Wednesday!

Have you had dumplings before? What did you think?