Of course I’m still riding on my new crockpot high. So while scouring the recipes in my new Crock Pot cook book, I found a recipe for vegetarian lasagna. But, I don’t do recipes, so I added my own twist. I added chicken and eliminated the noodles in place of layers of zucchini. Here is the recipe, all ingredients are however much you feel like adding. I could barely close the slowcooker!
- Eggplant (sliced into planks)
- Mushrooms
- Onions (rings, not diced)
- Fresh sliced tomatoes
- 1 sliced sweet potato
- Grilled chicken breast
- Part skim ricotta cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Tomato sauce
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- Added garlic, onion, oregano, and thyme
Proceed by layering sauce, eggplant, sweet potato, chicken, onions, mushrooms, ricotta cheese, and repeat. After 2-3 layers, top with remaining ricotta, pour on remaining sauce, then top with sliced fresh tomatoes. Finally, top with the parmesan.
Raw Realness
Layering
Ogres are like Lasagna...they've got layers
And to complete the ensemble
It unlayered itself
The result? Great flavor! But where did all this liquid come from?? I forgot the water content of vegetables, so while this cooked, all the liquid came out. I realize now why I should have included noodles– as the liquid comes out of the vegetables, the noodles would have been cooked and absorbed the liquid, thus making the whole thing come out perfect! So, I will be adding some whole wheat lasagna noodles next time.
Plus, I realized after making this, that the only once carbohydrates were whatever was in the vegetables and the litle bit from the 1 sweet potato. So that brought me to the issue of trying to figure out if I should add a serving of rice or something on this side? It is also incredibly fiber-filled, so not ideal if you have a hard workout planned for the next morning.
In all it was great. But the take-aways; use lasagna noodles as well to ensure firmness and a source of carbohydrates for energy!
I’m writing this while watching The Chowdown Countdown, #s 40-21. I realize I need a couple more delicious looking and tasting meals. So, that being said, what would you guys like to see me make or ingredients to cook with??
I’m loving all of the veggies in there!! I really need to learn how to use a slow cooker.. I heard you can make oatmeal in it too!
Its great! Yeah, you can make oatmeal in it, but I haven’t tried it yet. I am making bbq chicken tomorrow though- just through it all in before I leave for work and dinner’s piping hot when I get home!
hi chuck..its been a long time! i started reading your blog a few weeks ago when i saw it on facebook. I love using my crock pot..my favorite recipe is chicken caccitore
im actually waiting for it to be done right now..so i thought id send you my recipe.
4 onions, thinly sliced
3 lbs (or more) chicken (thighs and boneless breast are best)
2 cloves garlic
1 1 lb can stewed tomatoes (can use the one with Italian seasoning already in it.)
1 small can tomato paste
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp basil
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup dry white wine (like chardonnay)(you can buy those small bottle (in a 4 pack) and then you don’t have to open a whole bottle)
Mix inthe crock pot (I don’t layer) 6 to 8 hour low or 2 1/2 to 3 on high.
its best over spaghetti noodles
i hope all is well!
Hey Brooke! Wow it has been a long time–haha I’m flattered that you’re reading my blog too! Your recipe sounds really good and I’m going to try it this weekend; I like the idea of using the wine in it- what does that do to the flavor?
I actually just finished prepping a bunch of chicken to throw in the Crock Pot before I leave for work in the morning. My brother signed me up for the BBQ sauce of the month club, so I’ll be trying out my first bottle