Ingredients with Measurements:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups of fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup of Metsovone cheese, grated
- 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Saucepan for making the cheese sauce
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
5. Add the salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to the sauce and stir to combine.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, and half of the grated Metsovone cheese.
7. Spread a thin layer of the cheese sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
8. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
9. Spread half of the spinach and cheese mixture over the noodles.
10. Pour 1/3 of the remaining cheese sauce over the spinach and cheese mixture.
11. Repeat the layers with 4 more lasagna noodles, the remaining spinach and cheese mixture, and another 1/3 of the cheese sauce.
12. Top with the final 4 lasagna noodles and pour the remaining cheese sauce over the top.
13. Sprinkle the remaining Metsovone cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese over the top of the lasagna.
14. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
15. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
16. Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 435
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 22g
Sodium: 580mg
Sugar: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Metsovone cheese can be substituted with smoked Gouda or provolone cheese.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach, thawed and drained.
Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the spinach and cheese mixture for a meaty lasagna.
- Use a combination of different cheeses, such as fontina, cheddar, or asiago.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the cheese sauce for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the lasagna noodles al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
- Leftover lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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 and garnish with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley.
Pairings:
Serve the lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk to thin it out.
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more cheese sauce or a can of diced tomatoes to the spinach and cheese mixture.
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. It is typically made with layers of pasta, cheese, and meat or vegetables.
Flavor profiles:
Creamy, cheesy, and savory.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the lasagna hot with a side salad and garlic bread.
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Region: Greek