Ingredients with Measurements:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups of chopped Black Forest ham
- 2 cups of fresh spinach
- 2 cups of ricotta cheese
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 jar of marinara sauce (24 oz)
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
4. In another mixing bowl, combine the chopped Black Forest ham and fresh spinach. Mix well.
5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
6. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
7. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the noodles.
8. Spread half of the ham and spinach mixture on top of the ricotta cheese.
9. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the ham and spinach mixture.
10. Repeat steps 6-9 to create another layer.
11. Place the remaining 3 lasagna noodles on top of the second layer.
12. Spread the remaining marinara sauce on top of the noodles.
13. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce.
14. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
15. Bake for 30 minutes.
16. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 1200mg
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 29g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of Black Forest ham, you can use regular ham or prosciutto.
- Instead of fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach that has been thawed and drained.
- Instead of ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese or cream cheese.
- Instead of marinara sauce, you can use tomato sauce or Alfredo sauce.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the ham and spinach mixture.
- Use ground beef or Italian sausage instead of ham.
- Add roasted red peppers to the ricotta cheese mixture.
- Use different types of cheese, such as fontina or Gouda.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain the spinach well to avoid excess moisture in the lasagna.
- Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving to make it easier to cut.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the lasagna in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the lasagna on a large platter with fresh basil leaves on top.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top of the lasagna before serving.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more marinara sauce or a little bit of water before baking.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the lasagna to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Lasagna originated in Italy and has been a popular dish for centuries.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy from the marinara sauce.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the lasagna hot with a side salad and 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