Ingredients with Measurements:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound smoked ricotta cheese, grated
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Saucepan for making the sauce
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the smoked ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
4. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
6. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and marinara sauce. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
9. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
10. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta and spinach mixture on top of the noodles.
11. Repeat layers of sauce, noodles, and ricotta mixture until all ingredients are used up.
12. Top the lasagna with the remaining sauce.
13. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
14. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
15. 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:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 420
Total fat: 24g
Saturated fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 760mg
Total carbohydrates: 32g
Dietary fiber: 3g
Total sugars: 6g
Protein: 18g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Smoked ricotta cheese can be substituted with regular ricotta cheese or smoked mozzarella cheese.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach that has been thawed and drained.
Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce for a meaty lasagna.
- Use a combination of different cheeses, such as mozzarella, Parmesan, and fontina.
- Add roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, to the ricotta and spinach mixture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the lasagna noodles until they are al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use a mandoline or sharp knife to thinly slice the garlic cloves.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Storage instructions:
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the lasagna, preheat the 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 and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
Serve the lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more sauce or a splash of milk to the ricotta and spinach mixture.
- If the lasagna is too watery, let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
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 the Middle Ages. It is typically made with layers of pasta, cheese, and tomato sauce.
Flavor profiles:
This lasagna has a smoky and savory flavor from the smoked ricotta cheese, with a hint of sweetness from the marinara sauce.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the lasagna hot with a side salad and garlic bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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Region: Italian