Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground pork ciccioli
- 1 pound spinach, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ciccioli over medium heat until browned and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
5. In a saucepan, whisk together the flour, milk, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens.
6. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the ciccioli, spinach, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of sauce and Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 605
Fat per serving: 28g
Saturated fat per serving: 12g
Carbohydrates per serving: 53g
Protein per serving: 32g
Fiber per serving: 4g
Sugar per serving: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground pork ciccioli can be substituted with ground beef or Italian sausage.
- Spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard.
- Whole milk can be substituted with low-fat milk or almond milk.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone or fontina cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the spinach and onion mixture for extra flavor.
- Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for a meatier lasagna.
- Add a layer of roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor.
- Use a different type of pasta, such as rigatoni or penne, instead of lasagna noodles.
Tips and Tricks:
- Be sure to cook the lasagna noodles until al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Use a mandoline slicer to slice the onion and garlic thinly for a more even texture.
- Let the lasagna cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
Storage Instructions:
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat, place the lasagna in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the lasagna on a large platter with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil on top.
Garnishes:
Chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, can be used as a garnish.
Pairings:
Serve the lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more sauce or a splash of milk to the top layer before baking.
- If the lasagna is too wet, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing to allow the sauce to thicken.
Food Safety Advice:
- Be sure to cook the ground pork ciccioli to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftover lasagna in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food History:
Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to ancient Rome. It is typically made with layers of pasta, cheese, and meat or vegetables.
Flavor Profiles:
This lasagna has a rich and creamy sauce with a crispy and savory ciccioli filling. The spinach adds a fresh and earthy flavor to the dish.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the lasagna with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese.
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Rich, Cheesy, Herby, Comforting