Zucchini Turkey Lasagna (Low Carb) (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base Components

01 - Medium zucchini, 3
02 - Extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon
03 - Fresh garlic cloves, minced, 4
04 - Lean ground turkey (93%), 1 pound

→ Cheese Layer

05 - Whole milk cottage cheese, 1 1/2 cups
06 - Grated parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons, divided
07 - Large egg, 1
08 - Shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 3/4 cups

→ Seasonings & Sauce

09 - Dried parsley, 1 teaspoon
10 - Fine sea salt, 1 teaspoon, divided
11 - High-quality marinara sauce (like Rao's), 24-ounce jar
12 - Fresh basil, chopped, 1/3 cup
13 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Drain cottage cheese in a fine mesh sieve. Slice zucchini very thinly (about 1/8 inch) and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and bake for 10 minutes, then blot with a towel to remove moisture.
02 - Sauté garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant. Add turkey and 1/2 teaspoon salt, cooking until no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Drain well, then stir in marinara sauce.
03 - Combine drained cottage cheese, parmesan (reserving 2 tablespoons), egg, dried parsley, and black pepper in a bowl.
04 - Start with 1 cup meat sauce in a 9x13 baking dish. Layer half the zucchini, 1 cup meat sauce, half the cottage cheese mixture, 3/4 cup mozzarella, and basil. Repeat layers, finishing with remaining sauce, 1/4 cup mozzarella, and reserved parmesan.
05 - Bake for 35 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil and serving. Note that some liquid beneath the lasagna is normal due to the zucchini.

# Notes:

01 - Can be made vegetarian by omitting turkey
02 - Draining cottage cheese and meat helps reduce excess liquid
03 - Let rest before slicing to minimize liquid
04 - Can be made vegan using dairy-free cheese alternatives and vegan ricotta