Ingredients with Measurements:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Piave Fresco cheese, grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Saucepan for making cheese sauce
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add flour to the saucepan and whisk until smooth. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
5. Add grated Piave Fresco cheese to the saucepan and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. In the baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
7. Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top of the marinara sauce.
8. Add a layer of thinly sliced zucchinis on top of the lasagna noodles.
9. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the zucchinis.
10. Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese on top of the cheese sauce.
11. Repeat layers of lasagna noodles, zucchinis, cheese sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
12. Top with a final layer of lasagna noodles and remaining marinara sauce.
13. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the lasagna.
14. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
15. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 22g
Sodium: 750mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Piave Fresco cheese can be substituted with any mild, semi-soft cheese such as Fontina or Gouda.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with any mild, melty cheese such as provolone or Monterey Jack.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with any hard, salty cheese such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or sausage to the marinara sauce for a meaty lasagna.
- Substitute zucchinis with other vegetables such as eggplant, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Use a different type of cheese sauce such as Alfredo or Gorgonzola.
Tips and tricks:
- To prevent the lasagna noodles from sticking together, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the boiling water.
- Use a mandoline or vegetable peeler to thinly slice the zucchinis.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the layers to set.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Pairings:
- Pair with a medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti or Sangiovese.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more marinara sauce or cheese sauce.
- If the lasagna is too watery, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the lasagna noodles and zucchinis thoroughly to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
- Store leftovers 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" comes from the Greek word "laganon" which refers to a flat sheet of pasta.
- Zucchini is a summer squash that originated in Central America and was brought to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century.
Flavor profiles:
- Piave Fresco cheese is mild and slightly sweet with a nutty flavor.
- Zucchinis are mild and slightly sweet with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
- Marinara sauce is tangy and slightly sweet with a hint of garlic and herbs.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot and bubbly straight out of the oven.
- Pair with a glass of red wine and a side salad for a complete meal.
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Region: Italian