Italian > Lasagnas

Mattone and Zucchini Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 package of Mattone pasta sheets
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced thinly
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 1 jar of marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mandoline slicer (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the Mattone pasta sheets according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the sliced zucchini until tender and lightly browned. Set aside.

4. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese, chopped basil, salt, and pepper.

5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.

6. Layer the cooked Mattone pasta sheets on top of the sauce, slightly overlapping each other.

7. Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the pasta sheets.

8. Add a layer of the sautéed zucchini on top of the cheese mixture.

9. Repeat the layers of pasta sheets, cheese mixture, and zucchini until all ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of pasta sheets on top.

10. Spread the remaining marinara sauce on top of the pasta sheets.

11. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese on top of the sauce.

12. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

13. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

14. Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Sodium: 750mg
Sugar: 8g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Mattone pasta sheets can be substituted with regular lasagna noodles.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Marinara sauce can be substituted with homemade tomato sauce.

Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce for a meaty lasagna.
- Use different types of cheese, such as fontina or asiago, for a unique flavor.
- Add sliced mushrooms or roasted red peppers to the layers for extra vegetables.

Tips and Tricks:
- Use a mandoline slicer to slice the zucchini thinly and evenly.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
- Leftover lasagna can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Storage Instructions:
Leftover lasagna can be stored 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 a sprinkle of fresh basil on top.

Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley.

Pairings:
Garlic bread and a green salad.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Roasted vegetables or a side of steamed broccoli.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more marinara sauce or a splash of milk to the cheese mixture.
- If the lasagna is too watery, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing to allow the sauce to thicken.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the lasagna to an internal temperature of 165°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. The word "lasagna" originally referred to the pot in which the dish was cooked, rather than the dish itself. Today, lasagna is a popular comfort food around the world.

Flavor Profiles:
This lasagna is savory and cheesy, with a hint of sweetness from the marinara sauce and a fresh burst of flavor from the basil.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve the lasagna hot with a side of garlic bread and a green salad for a hearty and satisfying meal.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Rich, Cheesy, Tomato, Herbal, Comforting, Tomato-Y