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Easy Spinach Lasagna Recipe: A Delicious Vegetarian Delight

If you’re in search of a comforting, nourishing dish that’s perfect for family meals or entertaining guests, look no further than this Easy Spinach Lasagna recipe. Offering layers of rich flavours and delightful textures, this vegetarian twist on the classic Italian dish is sure to please even the most discerning palates. Packed with spinach, creamy cheeses, and a delightful tomato sauce, this lasagna will become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

For the Lasagna:

• 9-12 sheets of lasagna pasta (you can use fresh or dried)
• 300g fresh spinach (or 250g frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 400g ricotta cheese
• 200g mozzarella cheese, grated (plus extra for topping)
• 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 400g can of chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Filling

1. Cook the Spinach: In a large pan, sauté the minced garlic in a splash of olive oil over medium heat until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s well-drained before mixing.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, the egg, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are combined and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce

1. Sauté the Onion: In the same pan you used for the spinach, add a little more olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent.
2. Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Then, add the chopped tomatoes and tomato purée. Season with dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Layer the Ingredients: In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of lasagna sheets on top, followed by a generous portion of the spinach filling. Add another layer of sauce and repeat the process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce on top.
3. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the final layer of sauce.

Step 4: Bake

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil (to prevent burning) and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
2. Uncover and Finish Baking: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let the lasagna sit for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

• Make-Ahead Magic: This lasagna can be prepared a day in advance. Simply cover it with cling film and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the cling film and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
• Customisation: Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the filling for additional flavour and nutrition.
• Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses, like feta or goat cheese, to personalise the flavour profile.

Conclusion

This Easy Spinach Lasagna recipe is a wonderful way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals while indulging in comforting, satisfying flavours. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish can easily become a favourite. With its straightforward preparation and mouth-watering result, you’ll find yourself revisiting this recipe time and again. Enjoy your culinary journey with this delightful vegetarian lasagna!

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