Circassian Smoked Cheese and Mushroom Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups of Circassian smoked cheese, grated
- 2 cups of mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped

Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Large skillet for cooking mushrooms and onions
- Whisk

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 large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become tender, about 10 minutes.
5. In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
6. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk until the mixture is smooth. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
7. Add 2 cups of grated Circassian smoked cheese to the sauce and stir until melted.
8. Season the sauce with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg.
9. Add the cooked mushrooms and onions to the sauce and stir to combine.
10. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the mushroom and cheese sauce on the bottom.
11. Place 4 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
12. Spread a layer of the mushroom and cheese sauce on top of the noodles.
13. Repeat with another layer of noodles and sauce.
14. Repeat again with a final layer of noodles and sauce.
15. Sprinkle the top with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
16. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
17. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
18. Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40-50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 428
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 20g
Sodium: 577mg
Sugar: 7g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Any type of cheese can be substituted for Circassian smoked cheese.
- Any type of mushroom can be used in place of sliced mushrooms.
- Vegetable broth can be used in place of milk for a vegan version of the recipe.

Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or sausage to the mushroom and cheese sauce for a meaty version of the recipe.
- Use spinach or kale instead of mushrooms for a vegetarian version of the recipe.
- Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the lasagna noodles al dente so they don't become too soft and mushy when baked.
- Use a whisk to ensure the sauce is smooth and free of lumps.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing to make it easier to serve.

Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place a portion of lasagna on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the lasagna on a large platter and garnish with fresh parsley.

Garnishes:
Fresh parsley

Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables

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

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out.
- If the lasagna is too dry, add a little more sauce to each layer.

Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the lasagna to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food history:
Circassian smoked cheese is a type of cheese that originated in the Caucasus region of Russia. It is made from cow's milk and has a smoky flavor.

Flavor profiles:
Savory, smoky, cheesy, earthy

Serving suggestions:
Serve the lasagna hot and fresh from the oven.

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