Description
Mouthwatering spinach lasagna combines layers of creamy ricotta, tender spinach, and melted cheese. Italian comfort cooking promises hearty satisfaction for hungry families and weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Dairy Ingredients:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
Vegetable Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic
Seasoning and Spices:
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 pinch nutmeg
Instructions
- Craft a robust tomato sauce by sautéing onions in olive oil until translucent, then infuse with minced garlic for one minute. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer and develop flavors for 20 minutes, stirring periodically.
- Prepare the spinach mixture by blending fresh spinach with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg. Thoroughly combine ingredients until evenly distributed.
- Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Create a foundational layer of tomato sauce in a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer lasagna noodles across the sauce, then spread a generous portion of spinach mixture. Drizzle additional tomato sauce over the layer.
- Repeat the layering process, alternating noodles, spinach mixture, and sauce, ensuring each layer is evenly covered.
- Complete the final layer with noodles and a final coating of tomato sauce. Generously sprinkle remaining mozzarella across the top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbling.
- Remove from oven and allow lasagna to rest for 10 minutes. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Choose fresh, high-quality spinach for the most vibrant flavor and nutrients in your lasagna.
- Squeeze excess moisture from spinach to prevent a watery lasagna texture that can make layers soggy.
- For a gluten-free version, swap traditional lasagna noodles with zucchini slices or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
- Enhance protein content by adding cooked ground turkey or lentils to the spinach mixture for a more substantial meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 305 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg