Ingredients with Measurements:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb Prague ham, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Large skillet for cooking ham and spinach
- Saucepan for making béchamel sauce
- Whisk
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 large skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant. Add sliced Prague ham and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly browned.
4. Add chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. In a saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add all-purpose flour and whisk until smooth.
6. Gradually add milk to the saucepan, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes a smooth sauce.
7. Add grated Parmesan cheese to the saucepan and whisk until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
9. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the béchamel sauce on the bottom.
10. Layer 4 cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
11. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the noodles.
12. Add half of the ham and spinach mixture on top of the ricotta cheese.
13. Pour a third of the remaining béchamel sauce over the ham and spinach mixture.
14. Repeat the layers of noodles, ricotta cheese, ham and spinach mixture, and béchamel sauce.
15. Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
16. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
17. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
18. Let the lasagna cool for 10 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: 550
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 38g
Sodium: 1230mg
Sugar: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Prague ham can be substituted with any cooked ham or deli ham.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach, thawed and drained.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese or cream cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Romano cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with any other type of cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the ham and spinach mixture.
- Use ground beef or Italian sausage instead of ham.
- Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Cook the lasagna noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
- Make sure to drain the spinach well to prevent excess moisture in the lasagna.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Lasagna can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat lasagna, preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the lasagna on a large platter garnished with fresh parsley or basil.
Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or basil
Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more béchamel sauce or tomato sauce.
- If the lasagna is too watery, drain excess liquid from the ham and spinach 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 or freezer promptly to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
- Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that originated in the region of Emilia-Romagna.
- The dish is made with layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese, and can be filled with a variety of ingredients.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and slightly salty.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the lasagna with a glass of red wine for a complete meal.
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