Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 box of lasagna noodles
- 2 cups of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 jar of marinara sauce
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Foil for covering dish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
5. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
6. Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles.
7. Repeat layers of sauce, noodles, and ricotta mixture until all ingredients are used up.
8. Top with remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 485
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Protein: 24g
Sodium: 1035mg
Sugar: 9g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of sun-dried tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
- You can substitute the ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or tofu.
- Any type of shredded cheese can be used in place of mozzarella cheese.
- You can use any type of pasta sauce in place of marinara sauce.
Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or sausage to the ricotta mixture for a meaty lasagna.
- Use spinach instead of sun-dried tomatoes for a vegetarian option.
- Add sliced mushrooms or zucchini to the layers for extra vegetables.
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 serving to allow the layers to set.
- Leftover lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat lasagna in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the lasagna on a large platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
Garlic bread and a green salad
Suggested Side Dishes:
Roasted vegetables or a Caesar salad
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more sauce to the layers.
- If the lasagna is too watery, make sure to drain the ricotta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes well.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to cook the lasagna to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food History:
Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to ancient Rome. It is typically made with layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese.
Flavor Profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and slightly sweet from the sun-dried tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the lasagna with a side of garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.
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Region: Italian