Vegetable Lasagna Roll Ups

So one way to help reduce stress is supposedly rolling a tiny little pointy or squishy ball back and forth in your hand until all stress and worries are gone, blown away, and you feel as light as a bird. Well, as most moms know we don’t really have time to sit around rolling balls in our hand to get rid of stress. We don’t actually have time to sit around at all which in that can lie the problem. So in an effort to help all mothers everywhere I have come up with the perfect stress reliver exercise and one that benefits both your mind and body and your family’s appetite.

SpicyLasagna Rolls. They are easy and quite inexpensive to make. A twist on your classic lasagna dish. Simply mix together your ingedients, place a heaping spoonful on a lasgana sheet and just start rolling. Okay, so I am no scientist and I realize this might not work for everyone but it sure did the trick for me last week. I was having one of those no good, horrible bad days (I think I used to read that book as a kid) and the last thing I wanted to do was cook but I needed to make the hubby something because I knew he had a long day ahead of him as well. I resorted to an easy veggie filling option and noodles. You can go wrong with pasta. Little did I know that rolling these small treasures would actually make me feel better. Seriously, you should try it!

The veggie filling is packed with flavor from dried Spanish thyme to roasted garlic, red peppers, zucchini, asparagus and fresh herbs. The sauce, my I dare say, is a piece of cake. Using a large can of whole tomates, I roasted them in the oven with some garlic for just a few minutes then cooked them on low with a blend of red wine, mascarpone cheese, garlic and fresh herbs. Outrageously good and like I said before, the best stress reliver I have found to date:)

Note: Your kids would have a field day helping you make these lasgana rolls. You have a variety of fillings you could chose from that your kids might be more “keen” to rather than vegges, although I would start with the veggie filling because it is so good for them. Chose from a mexican inspired chicken filling, seafood or the traditional meat and red sauce. Getting your kids to help prepare their own meals makes a huge difference in the type of eaters they grow to be, their palates and their overall lifestyle. So get in there and have some fun!

Submitting this to A Moderate Life, Presto Pasta Nights, Meatless Mondays, Sunday potluck, Midnight Mania Meatless Mondays, Mouthwatering Monday

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Spicy Vegetable Lasagna Roll Ups

Ingredients: (adapted from Giada de Laurentiis)

3 small zucchini with skin removed and roughly chopped

1/4 cup chopped asparagus

1/4 cup roasted red peppers (from a jar) roughly chopped

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 TBSP Devo Olive Oil

15 ounces of ricotta cheese

1 egg, slightly beaten

1 tsp salt and pepper each

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

1 tsp Spanish thyme (or any thyme you have)

1 cup parmesan cheese

1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup marinara sauce (recipe below)

12 lasagna noodles, cooked and cooled

For the Sauce:

2 TBSP butter, unsalted

4 tsp AP flour

1 1/4 cup heavy cream, slightly warm to the touch

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp nutmeg

Directions:

First make the sauce: Melt the butter in a non-stick sauce pan and slowly add the flour a TBSP at a time, whisking until well blended (about 3 minutes). Next, whisk in the warm cream and increase the heat to high until the sauce begins to simmer. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg- cook for another 3 minute then turn heat to low and allow to sit until time to assemble the lasagna rolls.

Saute the asapargus, garlic, zucchini and red bell peppers in 2 TBSP of olive oil for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are nice and tender. Season with 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp salt and pepper each and set aside.

Mix together the ricotta, sauteed vegetable mixture, Parmesan, egg, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, thyme, bread crumbs and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes in a medium bowl to blend.

Boil the noodles until just tender but still firm to bite. Drain and arrange the noodles in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent them from sticking.

Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish and pour the bechamel sauce over the bottom of the prepared dish. Lay out 4 lasagna noodles on a work surface, then spread about 3 tablespoons of ricotta mixture evenly over each noodle. Starting at 1 end, roll each noodle like a jelly roll. Lay the lasagna rolls seam side down, without touching, atop the bechamel sauce in the dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles and ricotta mixture. Spoon 1 cup of marinara sauce over the lasagna rolls. Sprinkle the mozzarella. Cover tightly with foil. Bake at 350 until heated through and the sauce bubbles, about 20 minutes. Uncover and bake until the cheese on top becomes golden, about 15 minutes longer. Let stand for 10 minutes.

Marinara Sauce:

1 can whole tomatoes

2 cloves garlic

2 TBSP Devo Olive Oil

1 TBSP Spanish Thyme

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp paprika

1/4 cup Red Wine

4 ounces of mascarpone cheese

2 TBSP fresh basil, chopped

2 TBSP fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and cook the onions for 4-5 minutes, add the garlic and roast for another 2-3 minutes. Pour in the can of tomatoes and remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer and simmer for 30 minutes.

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57 comments

  1. Bonnie

    These look delicious and the stress-reducing preparation is certainly an added bonus!

    Best,
    Bonnie

  2. Sabrina

    I love your recipe! Especially how all the veggies are cut into small pieces. I’m not a picky eater but sometimes veggie lasagna can get to mushy when the vegetables are too big so this is perfect! and your photos are absolutely beautiful too!

  3. Rachel

    Love that this is a stress reliever! I bet there’s even more benefit at the end when you get to sample the deliciousness! 🙂

  4. Alli

    Glad the stress is gone. I just watched giada’s fathers day episode with short rib roll ups. They looked good but so rich. These look like a perfect balance of seeming decadent with a sneaky healthy filling. Yum.

  5. Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen

    I’m loving all the veggies in the filling, great looking lasagna rolls!

  6. Melynda@Moms Sunday Cafe

    I have grown tired of layered lasagna, it seems to heavy much of the time. These look light and delicious. Time to try a new technique, thanks!

  7. Cooking Creation

    They turned out beautiful! I’m glad they were stress relieving as well 🙂

  8. yummychunklet

    Looks delicious! I’ll have to give these a try when I get stressed!

  9. Erica

    hahah- I think rolling a little ball would make me more stressed- I’d be thinking about all the time I was wasting 🙂 These look fantastic! I love lasagna roll ups- they’re way better than traditional lasagna and WAYYYYYYYYYY easier to get out of the pan 😉

  10. sonia

    Hi There, The vegetable lasagne rolls are looking SOOO TEMPTING and SO GUD. Loved the new combo of ingredients and the new way the recipe is made and presented. The stuffing is all healthy, nutritious and melt in mouth combo. I just love to have lasagne and am Saving this recipe of urs and wud love to give ur version a try on the coming weekend. Have a great day….Sonia !!!

  11. Lucy@The Sweet Touch

    These look fantastic! I have never made a lasagna roll but next time I’m stressed I will:)

    1. Kitchen Belleicious

      thanks Lucy! How is your new job going? Hope it is well!

  12. Greg

    My wife used to do this when she was single. She could make smaller portions this way, or a smaller dish rather. I love the idea. We don’t make lasagna often because it’s so much for two people. I love the filling. And that you use marscapone and ricotta.

  13. Shawn

    Looks super delicious! My daughter will enjoy helping me with these this week.

  14. Linda

    Reducing stress and eating healthy! I like that! And I really like the veggie combo filling; its a perfect change for making a lighter “summer” version of lasagna.

  15. Mary

    Oh my goodness – guess what we are having for dinner tonight – my 13 year old with love you for ever! Fabulous recipe!
    Mary

  16. SharleneT.

    Yummy! I love food rollups of any kind and these are perfect. (Unlike having to stuff manicotti shells. Very cool idea. Thanks for sharing.

  17. Angie Ward

    These look delicious like everything else you make!

  18. Foodness Gracious

    These loo awesome and your pictures are really quite amazing!! I need to put this one on my list..
    Thanks for sharing..

  19. Three-Cookies

    This is really innovative, easier to assemble, prepare small batches and to eat. And it looks more interesting. I will remember this one for future reference.

  20. Strawberry CAKE

    You had me at Spicy! These look amazing.

  21. Gopika

    Woww.. thats great. Now I have a brand new recipe for veggie lasagna 🙂 Thank you Jessica

  22. Torrie @ a place to share...

    I love how you roasted the can of tomatoes with the garlic before-hand. What a great idea!

    I’ve made Giada’s version before, but Giada’s got nothin’ on you… so I now must try your version… with whole wheat lasagna noodles, and all of the veggies – the peppers! (my kids do NOT like the taste of bell peppers- even if I try to sneak the tiniest bit in there… They can tell 😉

    I totally agree… this type of dish (where you have to roll… enchiladas too) is completely therapeutic- and perfect for summer, since it can be made in the morning and put in the oven later in the day. I hope you have a great Monday!

  23. Maris (In Good Taste)

    They look like pretty and very delicious flowers!

  24. Tina (PinayInTexas)

    Haven’t tried making lasagna rolls…but after seeing those gorgeous photos, I would really love too! They really look yummy and I believe it can surely relieve your stress especially after you eat it. LOL.

  25. Lisa @ Tarte du Jour

    This looks delicious and like it is so much fun to make! Kids would love these.

  26. angie

    this sounds so yummy I love the rollups more than I do lasagna the regular way your recipe is one I am going to have to try because I know it will put a smile on my families face come see me at http://shopannies.blogspot.com and see what I shared

  27. the good soup

    KB, that tomato sauce looks REALLY good. I’ve never added mascarpone to a tomato sauce before, but I must admit, I’ve been adding cream more often than not lately and I think this might be the beginning of a downward spiral into cheese too… not downward in a BAD way, more like in a slippery slide way 🙂

  28. Shea

    Yum! I love the idea of mixing this up with different fillings! I would love this veggie version, but unfortunately it might scare my veggie-hating husband. Sigh. But I might have to try a mexican inspired filling. What a fun idea!

  29. kitchen flavours

    These looks delicious! A great way with lasagna! Perfect for lunch! Thanks for sharing this lovely recipe!

  30. Kristy

    Oh wow! These look absolutely delicious. And I love that they provide stress relief – even better. 😉 I know both of my kids would enjoy rolling these. I’m not sure it would convince them to eat peppers though. They can find the smallest bits of pepper in any recipe. LOL.

  31. The Harried Cook

    Fabulous comfort food! I love the idea of rolling up the lasagna sheets… Very cute! And with all those veggies in there, it’s good for you too! Great… Thanks for sharing 🙂

  32. daphne

    ooo it’s sooo pretty!!! Love the presentation and idea of roll up! oh excellent meal idea.

  33. Mandy - The Complete Cook Book

    Yay for such a fun stress reliever and so clever! Can’t wait to give this a try.
    🙂 Mandy

  34. Linda

    Congratulations! You have received the Versatile blogger award! To claim your award please visit this post: http://savoringeverybite.wordpress.com/2011/06/14/grilled-artichokes-with-sun-dried-tomato-dip-and-my-first-award/

  35. Rachel @ The Avid Appetite

    This looks absolutely wonderful! I love cramming veggies into a dish in a delicious way! I can’t wait to try making this 🙂

  36. val

    I love lasagna roll ups….these just won my heart!

  37. Jihane @Sinful Sundays

    That mound of cheese looks dee-lish! The whole meal does! 🙂

  38. erica@fashionmeetsfood

    This looks beyond amazing! I am definitely going to make this sometime this week!

    xo

  39. Nami @ Just One Cookbook

    This is my first time seeing lasagna being rolled up! How cool is that!! I LOVE IT! It looks much nicer in a way when you serve the dish. Keeping this recipe for some big gathering next time. I know this is a good surprise. 😉

  40. Kathy

    oh my goodness! that looks SO delicious. i am printing out this recipe and will have to make sometime soon! love your blog!

  41. Maria @ Scandifoodie

    Yum, this looks so so tasty! I’d love to try it!

  42. Kate (What Kate is Cooking)

    There’s something about foods that are rolled up that just look so pretty and fancy! They look delicious also 🙂

  43. Food Glorious Food

    Your space is wonderful! Glad to find you and will be following you for more great ideas!

  44. Joanne

    I’m actually definitely pretty sure this would work for me. Especially since I get to eat the rolls after that! Can’t say that about one of those stress balls!

  45. flip flops & pearls

    Have I mentioned if the whole recipe thing doesn’t work out, (you really need to do a recipe book!) you can always be a food photog! Your pics are always amazing!! Your light is spot on friend-

    Have a beautiful & blessed day!
    XoXo

  46. Melynda@Moms Sunday Cafe

    Hi again, sharing this great dish on my Wednesday links. thanks!

  47. JANE

    Thanks for the reminder about roll ups. I will try your variation and roll em. I know they have to be tasty and great, and kids would love them. Even picky eaters. Thanks for always having the right thing to post. How do you have so much energy? Your blog is HUGE!

  48. Shilpa

    What a brilliant idea of filling up lasagne sheets and serving them rolled up… I loved it…Will have to do this dish for the next big family/ friends get-together. Also, I really liked the way you made your tomato sauce by roasting tin toms with garlic…I generally just cook them on the stove…Roasting perhaps gives them a better flavour.

    Brilliant!
    -Shilpa

  49. Janis

    perfect in every way! Amazing idea and amazing photos! Can’t wait to give them a try

  50. Anne

    What a wonderful looking recipe and perfect for weknights!

  51. Khara

    I love this idea!

  52. Sawsan@chef in diguise

    I would take these beauties over any stress reliefing ball any day..
    I know my kids will LOVE helping with these
    Thank you for the wonderful recipe

  53. betty

    this looks delicious!!!!!!!!! loving your blog, keep up the GR8 work :):)

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  55. Jessica

    Looks great Jess! It’s Jessica from Cajunlicious commenting from my other blog, Best of the Veg

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