Italian > Lasagnas

Añejo Cheese and Spinach Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound of spinach, washed and chopped
- 2 cups of shredded Añejo cheese
- 2 cups of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 4 cups of whole milk
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Large skillet for cooking spinach
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth.

6. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

7. Add the shredded Añejo cheese to the saucepan and stir until melted and smooth.

8. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, and chopped parsley. Mix well.

9. To assemble the lasagna, spread a layer of the cheese mixture on the bottom of the baking dish.

10. Add a layer of lasagna noodles on top of the cheese mixture.

11. Spread a layer of the spinach mixture on top of the noodles.

12. Add another layer of lasagna noodles on top of the spinach.

13. Spread a layer of the cheese mixture on top of the noodles.

14. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese mixture on top.

15. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

16. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

17. Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8-10 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 420
Fat: 23g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Protein: 24g
Sodium: 500mg
Sugar: 6g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Añejo cheese can be substituted with Parmesan or Romano cheese.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese or mascarpone cheese.
- Spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard.

Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the spinach mixture for a meaty lasagna.
- Use roasted vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers instead of spinach.
- Add a layer of sliced tomatoes or tomato sauce between the layers of lasagna noodles.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the lasagna noodles al dente so they don't become mushy when baked.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before cutting into it to prevent it from falling apart.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.

Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of red wine such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more sauce or cheese on top before baking.
- If the lasagna is too watery, make sure to drain the spinach well and cook the sauce until it thickens.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before cooking.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food history:
- Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to ancient Rome.
- Añejo cheese is a type of Mexican cheese that is aged for at least one year.

Flavor profiles:
- The lasagna has a rich and creamy flavor from the Añejo cheese and ricotta cheese.
- The spinach adds a fresh and earthy flavor to the dish.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the lasagna hot with a side salad or garlic bread.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Rich, Cheesy, Creamy, Nutty, Earthy