Ingredients with Measurements:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound of ground zaccuni (or ground beef)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 1 can of tomato sauce (8 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cups of ricotta cheese
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Skillet for cooking zaccuni and onions
- Mixing bowl for ricotta cheese mixture
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 skillet, cook the ground zaccuni (or beef) and onions over medium heat until browned. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach and ricotta cheese.
6. To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of the zaccuni sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
7. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the zaccuni sauce and 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese.
8. Repeat layers of noodles, ricotta mixture, zaccuni sauce, and mozzarella cheese two more times.
9. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the final layer of mozzarella cheese.
10. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 480
Fat: 23g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 32g
Sodium: 1030mg
Sugar: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted for ground zaccuni.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted for frozen spinach, thawed and drained.
- Cottage cheese can be substituted for ricotta cheese.
- Any type of shredded cheese can be substituted for mozzarella cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the zaccuni sauce.
- Use a combination of ground beef and ground zaccuni.
- Add a layer of sliced zucchini or eggplant to the lasagna.
- Use a different type of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the lasagna noodles until al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the lasagna in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the lasagna on a large platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley or basil can be used as a garnish.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add a little more tomato sauce to the zaccuni mixture.
- If the lasagna is too watery, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the ground zaccuni (or beef) to an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer promptly.
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:
The zaccuni and spinach lasagna has a savory and slightly sweet flavor from the zaccuni sauce, with a creamy and slightly bitter flavor from the ricotta cheese and spinach.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
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Region: Italian