Ingredients with Measurements:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of grated Piave Vecchio cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 cups of marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon or spatula for spreading cheese mixture
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Piave Vecchio cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
5. Place three cooked lasagna noodles on top of the marinara sauce.
6. Spread a layer of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
7. Repeat the layers of marinara sauce, noodles, and cheese mixture until all ingredients are used up.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
9. Bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove the aluminum foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let the lasagna cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 900mg
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 24g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Piave Vecchio cheese can be substituted with Parmigiano-Reggiano or Asiago cheese.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can be substituted with roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes.
Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the cheese mixture for a meaty lasagna.
- Use spinach or kale instead of sun-dried tomatoes for a vegetarian lasagna.
- Substitute the marinara sauce with Alfredo sauce for a creamy lasagna.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the lasagna noodles until al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft and mushy.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles to ensure that every bite has a balanced flavor.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and prevent it from being too runny.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Garnish the lasagna with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve the lasagna on a platter with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
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 runny, let it cool for a few more minutes before serving.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the lasagna to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that it is safe to eat.
- Store leftover lasagna in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
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.
- The modern version of lasagna with tomato sauce and cheese originated in Naples, Italy in the 18th century.
Flavor profiles:
- The Piave Vecchio cheese adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor to the lasagna.
- The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the cheese mixture.
- The marinara sauce adds a rich and savory flavor to the lasagna.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the lasagna hot and fresh out of the oven for the best flavor and texture.
- Pair with a glass of red wine and a side salad for a complete meal.
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Region: Italian