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Creamy Spinach and Cheese Lasagna Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 125 reviews

This Creamy Spinach and Cheese Lasagna is a delightful vegetarian dish featuring layers of tender lasagna sheets, a rich blend of ricotta, feta, and Parmesan cheeses combined with sautéed spinach, all enveloped in a smooth homemade béchamel sauce. Baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly mozzarella and Parmesan topping, this comforting lasagna is perfect for family meals or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Spinach-Cheese Mixture

  • 200 g fresh spinach
  • 2 tsp olive oil (for sautéing the onion)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, pressed
  • 500 g ricotta (about 2 cups)
  • 200 g feta cheese (7 oz), crumbled
  • 60 g Parmesan (approximately ½ cup), grated (half for mixture)

Béchamel Sauce

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 liter milk (4 cups)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg

Other

  • 15 sheets lasagna sheets
  • 60 g Parmesan (approximately ½ cup), for sprinkling
  • 90 g mozzarella (1 cup), grated

Instructions

  1. Prepare the spinach and cheese mixture: Sauté a mix of baby and regular spinach in a pan until wilted, then drain well to remove excess moisture.
  2. Blend onion and garlic: In the same pan, sauté the chopped onion and pressed garlic with olive oil until fragrant and translucent. Combine them with the sautéed spinach in a blender or food processor and pulse until smooth.
  3. Combine cheeses and spinach: Transfer the blended mixture to a pan on low heat. Add the ricotta, crumbled feta, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until all ingredients are well blended and creamy, then remove from heat.
  4. Make the béchamel sauce – melt butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, allow the butter to melt completely without browning.
  5. Add flour and whisk: Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour into the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth paste, cooking out the raw flour taste.
  6. Incorporate milk gradually: Slowly pour in the milk a little at a time while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
  7. Cook béchamel to thicken: Continue whisking as the mixture heats and thickens, usually taking 3-5 minutes until smooth and creamy.
  8. Season the sauce: Add salt, freshly grated nutmeg, and black or white pepper to taste, stirring well to combine.
  9. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 190°C (375°F) to warm up while you assemble the lasagna.
  10. Assemble the lasagna – first layer: Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce in a 20 x 35 cm (8 x 12 in) baking dish to prevent sticking. Lay down a single layer of lasagna sheets over the sauce.
  11. Alternate layers: Continue layering by alternating lasagna sheets, béchamel sauce, the spinach-cheese mixture, and sprinkling grated Parmesan. Repeat until all ingredients are used, reserving some béchamel and cheeses for the top.
  12. Final layer and toppings: For the top layer, place lasagna sheets, spread a generous amount of béchamel sauce, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan, and finish with grated mozzarella cheese.
  13. Bake covered: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  14. Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  15. Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes after baking to set before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the spinach is well drained to avoid excess moisture in the lasagna layers.
  • The béchamel sauce should be smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  • Use fresh grated nutmeg for best flavor in the béchamel sauce.
  • If lasagna sheets are not pre-cooked, check package instructions; some may require boiling before layering.
  • Covering the lasagna during most of the baking prevents drying out the top layer.
  • Allow the lasagna to rest before serving to help it set and make slicing easier.

Keywords: spinach lasagna, cheese lasagna, vegetarian lasagna, homemade béchamel, baked pasta dish

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/creamy-spinach-and-cheese-lasagna-recipe/