LASAGNA

Lasagna

Here is my take on the Classic recipe. 

Ingredients

2 1LB packages of Sage Sausage

2 8oz packages of frozen Spinach, thawed and drained

2 pints of mushrooms of choice, sliced

1 medium onion, diced

2 Italian peppers, diced

6 cloves of garlic, minced

2 quarts of Marinara, Homemade of course

1 box of Lasagna pasta, cook as directed on package

1 pound Ricotta Cheese

2 eggs

24 oz of mozzarella, sliced

1/2 cup of grated Parmigiano cheese

1/4 cup of diced Italian Parsley

1/4 cup of diced Basil

8 sprigs of Fresh Thyme

8 sprigs of Fresh Oregano

Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions

In a large skillet saute spinach on medium heat to remove as much water as possible, about 3 to 4 minutes.  Remove from pan and set aside.

Next place mushrooms and saute them to remove as much water as possible, about 5 minutes. Once soft, add spinach back to skillet along with the garlic. Saute for about an additional 4 minutes, remove from pan and set aside. 

Now place the sausage in pan, saute until brown.

Remove from skillet and and add onions and peppers, saute until soft. 

Mix Sausage and sausage together.

Next add about 1/2 cup of the Marinara, toss to coat.

In a large bowl place the Ricotta cheese, herbs, and eggs: Mix well.

Now time to assemble

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

Using a 9 x 13 inch pan place the following layers,

1. 1/3 cup of Marinara sauce

2. 4 lasagna noodles

3. 1/2 of the Spinach/Mushrooms & Ricotta mixture

4. 4 lasagna noodles

5. 1/3 cup Marinara sauce

6. 1/2 of the Sausage Mixture

7. 1/3 of the Mozzarella slices

8. 4 lasagna noodles

9. 1/3 cup of Marinara sauce

10. the balance of the Spinach/Mushroom & Ricotta mixture

11. 4 lasagna noodles

12. 1/3 cup of Marinara sauce

13. balance of the Sausage mixture

14. 1/3 of the Mozzarella slices

15. the last 4 lasagne noodles

16. 1/3 cup of Marinara sauce

17. top off with the balance of the Mozzarella slices

Now cover with foil, but first cut some bamboo skewers in to about an inch higher than the top of the pan, then place them in corners then cover with the foil.  This will prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil.

Bake for 25 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for additional 25 minutes until the cheese on top is golden.

Remove from oven and let set for about 15 minutes before serving.  After cutting and plating, sprinkle with grated cheese, parsley and basil.

Enjoy cooking.