Darth Vader Bean Lasagna

The first time I served this I told Max the "black things" were Darth Vader Beans and he promptly ate it up! This is a good way to get beans in those that don't like them and a great meatless dish to help save money.

9 lasagna noodles(cooked according to directions)
1 large onion
3 garlic cloves minced
2 (16oz) cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can of diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cans of tomatoe paste(6oz)
1 cup of water
2 TBS of fresh cilantro
1/4 to 1/2 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes
4 egg whites beaten
1 (15oz) carton of reducedfat ricotta cheese
1/2 up of grated parmesian
1/4 cup of fresh parsley minced(I used dried)
2 cups of shredded reduced fat Mexican blend cheese(I like mine cheesy and used more than this)
1. In a large skillet over medium heat cook onion and garlic in oil until tender. Add the beans, tomatoes, paste, water, cilantro and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until slightly thickened.
2. Combine egg whites, ricotta cheese, Parmesian cheese, and parsley
3. Spread 1/2 cup of bean mixture in bottom of 13x9 baking dish. Layer with 3 noodles, a third of ricotta cheese mixture, a third of remaining bean sauce and 2/3 cup of cheese blend. Repeat 2 times.
4. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Uncover and bake 10-15 longer or until bubbly. Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving.


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I use no cook whole wheat lasagna noodles from Super Target(Archer Farm brand). I don’t use the cilantro or red pepper and only use a can and half of black beans(because Lee doesn’t like them) I use whatever cheese I have so sometimes it is cheddar and mozzarella and sometimes the blend or just one or the other. I also use a lot more than 2 cups.