Hearty Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna: A Perfect Comfort Food Layered with Rich Flavors

Hearty Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna: A Perfect Comfort Food Layered with Rich Flavors

Lasagna is an all-time favorite comfort food, and this recipe adds a healthy, earthy twist with mushrooms and spinach. The blend of creamy cheeses, rich tomato sauce, and hearty vegetables makes it a delicious and filling meal perfect for any dinner table.

Ingredients:

For the Tomato Sauce:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 800 grams (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mushroom and Spinach Filling:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 500 grams (1 lb) mushrooms, sliced
– 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:
– 500 grams (16 oz) ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Other Ingredients:
– 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for the top layer)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
1.1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
1.2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
1.3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
1.4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
1.5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
1.6. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Prepare the Mushroom and Spinach Filling:
2.1. In a separate large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2.2. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 10 minutes.
2.3. Add the chopped spinach and minced garlic, and cook until the spinach is wilted, about 5 minutes.
2.4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
3.1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, and chopped parsley. Mix until well combined.

4. Assemble the Lasagna:
4.1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
4.2. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
4.3. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
4.4. Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
4.5. Add a layer of the mushroom and spinach filling.
4.6. Repeat the layers: sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, and mushroom-spinach filling until all the components are used, finishing with a layer of noodles and sauce.
4.7. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top.

5. Bake the Lasagna:
5.1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
5.2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
5.3. Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of this Hearty Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna, a perfect dish for any family gathering or cozy dinner at home!