Cheesy Black Bean Lasagna

Name: Cheesy Black Bean Lasagna
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Ingredients: 9 lasagna noodles; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 teaspoon canola oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cans (16 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained; 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste; 1 cup water; 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 4 large egg whites, lightly beaten; 1 carton (15 ounces) reduced-fat ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley; 2 cups shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. Bake: 40 min. + standing YIELD: 12 servings.

This is one of my family's absolute favorite meatless meals. I came up with this variation on lasagna to help my husband lower his cholesterol level, and I never dreamed that family and friends would rave over it.” Dusty Davis - Slidell, Louisiana

Ingredients

9 lasagna noodles
1 large onion, chopped
1 teaspoon canola oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (16 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
1 cup water
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
4 large egg whites, lightly beaten
1 carton (15 ounces) reduced-fat ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
2 cups shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend

Directions

1. Cook noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook onion in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add the beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, water, cilantro and pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until slightly thickened.
2. In a small bowl, combine the egg whites, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese and parsley.
3. Drain noodles. Spread 1/2 cup bean mixture into a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Layer with three noodles, a third of the ricotta mixture, a third of the remaining bean mixture and 2/3 cup cheese blend. Repeat layers twice.
4. Cover and bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes. Uncover; bake 10-15 minutes longer or until bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 279 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 6g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable.