Ingredients with Measurements:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup grated Cooleeney Farmhouse Cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Medium saucepan for making cheese sauce
- Skillet for sautéing spinach, onion, and garlic
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 medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the Cooleeney Farmhouse Cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
7. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Spread a thin layer of the cheese sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
9. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles over the cheese sauce.
10. Spoon half of the spinach mixture over the noodles.
11. Spoon half of the remaining cheese sauce over the spinach.
12. Repeat with another layer of noodles, spinach, and cheese sauce.
13. Top with a final layer of noodles and the remaining cheese sauce.
14. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
15. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40-50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 570mg
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 20g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cooleeney Farmhouse Cheese can be substituted with any other soft cheese, such as Brie or Camembert.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach, thawed and drained.
Variations:
- Add cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or ground beef to the spinach mixture for a heartier lasagna.
- Substitute the spinach with other vegetables, such as mushrooms or roasted red peppers.
- Add a layer of sliced tomatoes or tomato sauce between the layers of noodles and cheese sauce.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the lasagna noodles until al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice the onions and garlic thinly and evenly.
- To make the cheese sauce smoother, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before using.
Storage instructions:
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the lasagna on a large platter and garnish with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley.
- Cut the lasagna into individual portions and serve on plates with a side salad.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Pair with a light red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Chianti.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk, a little at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- If the lasagna is too dry, add a little more cheese sauce or tomato sauce.
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 promptly in the refrigerator.
Food history:
- Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to ancient Rome.
- The first recorded recipe for lasagna dates back to the 14th century.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy
- Cheesy
- Savory
- Nutty
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot, straight out of the oven.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Irish