Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 package of lasagna noodles
- 1 pound of cotechino Modena sausage, casing removed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1 package of frozen spinach (10 oz), thawed and drained
- 1 container of ricotta cheese (15 oz)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Large skillet for cooking sausage and sauce
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
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, cook the cotechino Modena sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
6. Add the cooked cotechino Modena sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
7. In a separate bowl, mix together the thawed and drained spinach, ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese.
8. To assemble the lasagna, spread a layer of the sausage and tomato sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
9. Add a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
10. Spread a layer of the spinach and ricotta mixture on top of the noodles.
11. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the spinach mixture.
12. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
13. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
14. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 535
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 1050mg
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 35g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground pork or beef can be substituted for cotechino Modena sausage.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted for frozen spinach.
- Cottage cheese can be substituted for ricotta cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce.
- Use a different type of sausage, such as spicy Italian sausage or sweet Italian sausage.
- Add a layer of sliced zucchini or eggplant to the lasagna.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to drain the spinach well to avoid excess moisture in the lasagna.
- Use no-boil lasagna noodles for a quicker preparation time.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
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 preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the lasagna on a large platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, can be used as a garnish.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add a little more sauce or a splash of water before baking.
- If the lasagna is too watery, drain excess liquid before serving.
Food safety advice:
- Cook the sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Cotechino Modena is a traditional Italian sausage that originated in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It is typically made with pork, pork rind, and spices, and is often served during the winter months.
Flavor profiles:
This lasagna has a rich and savory flavor from the cotechino Modena sausage and tomato sauce, with a creamy and slightly tangy flavor from the spinach and ricotta mixture.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this lasagna as a main dish for a family dinner or special occasion.
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Region: Italian