Meal planning is an important aspect in the management of diabetes, to find the right balance of nutrients and keep blood sugar levels under control. A diagnosis of diabetes doesn’t mean that you can’t eat your favorite meals. Even starchy foods like pasta are allowed, as long as you have a regular size portion, says the American Diabetes Association. Vegetarian lasagna is one example of a pasta-based meal diabetics can also enjoy.
The Pasta
You have a few different pasta options when you make vegetarian lasagna for diabetics. To keep the meal as low carb as possible, seek out specialty low carb lasagna sheets. This way, you can eat a little more without any ill effects, and you won’t have to add as many carbs to your daily totals. You can also use regular, white lasagna sheets if you like the regular taste and texture and only plan on eating a small portion. To add more fiber to the dish and even out your blood sugar so it doesn't spike afterward, try a whole grain lasagna sheet.
The Vegetables
Choose your vegetables according to what you like and what your doctor or dietitian has given you the green light to eat. Vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, onion, garlic, carrots, spinach and tomatoes all work well and enhance the flavor of the dish. Chop all of the vegetables into bite-size pieces to add to the lasagna, or cut the longer vegetables like zucchini and eggplant into thin slices and layer them like the noodles.
Extras
Along with the pasta and vegetables, you’ll likely want some extra ingredients to add flavor and texture to the dish. Dried herbs and spices like fennel, oregano, cayenne pepper or basil add flavor, while cottage cheese, ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan add flavor and texture. You can add any spices or cheeses that are approved for your diet.
Preparation
To assemble your lasagna, boil the lasagna sheets if they need to be boiled, until they’re tender and pliable. Add your onion and garlic to a skillet with 1 tbsp. of olive oil or cooking spray and saute until soft.
Add the remainder of your chopped vegetables and chopped or crushed tomatoes to make the sauce. Sprinkle your spices into the sauce to round out the flavors and let it simmer over medium heat. Cook the longer vegetables separately if you want to layer them like the noodles.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a square baking dish with cooking spray. Spread some sauce on the bottom of the dish, then add a layer lasagna noodles.
Spread a layer of vegetables on top of the noodles, then a layer of your cheeses. Continue to layer the lasagna in this fashion, until you’re at the top of the dish. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella cheese and bake for about 45 minutes.
