LASAGNA WITH SPINACH

Spinach Lasagna – a recipe loved by those who appreciate tasty and nourishing food! This recipe perfectly combines delicious layers of pasta, creamy sauce, and a rich spinach filling, turning lunch or dinner into a true feast for the taste buds. Let’s get cooking and discover together step by step how to prepare this savory lasagna!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

For the Béchamel sauce:
- 80 g flour
- 1 l milk (preferably whole for a rich texture)
- 1 ¼ teaspoon salt (optional, add vegeta)
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 garlic clove (fresh or granulated)
- Green parsley leaves (optional)

For the filling:
- 2-3 large onions
- 1 tablespoon sugar (to caramelize the onion)
- 1 tablespoon butter or lard (for frying)
- 650 g spinach (fresh or frozen, chopped)
- 100 g bacon or Kaiser (chopped, optional)
- 1 chicken breast (boiled, optional)
- Salt, pepper, nutmeg (to taste)
- 9 lasagna sheets (store-bought or homemade)
- 100-150 g grated cheese or parmesan

Preparation

1. Preparing the container: Start by choosing a sufficiently large and heat-resistant container. A ceramic or glass dish is ideal. Grease it with a little butter or oil and line it with breadcrumbs to prevent sticking.

2. Preheating the oven: Set the oven to 200°C, so it’s ready to receive the lasagna.

3. Preparing the filling:
- Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic.
- If using bacon, cut it into small pieces.
- If you choose to add chicken breast, make sure it is boiled beforehand, possibly in broth, to enhance its flavor.

4. Cooking the onion: In a skillet, add the butter and sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent. Add the tablespoon of sugar and let the onion caramelize, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

5. Adding bacon and spinach: Once the onion is caramelized, add the bacon and let it fry a bit. Then, add the garlic and spinach. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well and cook on low heat until the liquid released by the spinach evaporates, then set aside.

6. Preparing the Béchamel sauce:
- In a pot, melt 80 g of butter. Turn off the heat and add the flour, stirring vigorously to avoid lumps.
- Place the pot on low heat and gradually add the milk, stirring continuously.
- Continue to cook and stir until the sauce becomes creamy and has a consistency similar to that of a thinner pudding. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and garlic.

7. Assembling the lasagna: In the prepared container, add a layer of Béchamel sauce, then some of the spinach mixture. Place 3 lasagna sheets, followed by another layer of sauce and spinach. If using chicken breast, add it now. Continue this layering process until the ingredients are finished, ensuring that the last layer is Béchamel sauce and spinach. Top with grated cheese or parmesan.

8. Baking: Place the container in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and appetizing.

Serving

Spinach lasagna is delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve this recipe with a fried egg on top for an extra flavor boost, or alongside a fresh salad, which will provide a pleasant contrast to the rich texture of the dish.

Useful tips

- Vegetarian option: You can omit the bacon and chicken breast for a completely vegetarian version, adding mushrooms or other preferred vegetables instead.
- Lasagna sheets: If you have time, you can make the lasagna sheets at home for an authentic taste and perfect texture. If you choose the store-bought option, make sure they are of good quality.
- Fresh parsley: Adding fresh parsley to the Béchamel sauce will enhance the flavor of the dish.

Nutritional information

This spinach lasagna is an excellent source of protein and fiber, thanks to ingredients like spinach, chicken breast, and cheese. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet. Each serving has approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of cheese and other added ingredients.

Frequently asked questions

- Can it be frozen? Yes, lasagna can be frozen before or after baking. Make sure it is well covered to avoid drying out.
- Can I use other types of cheese? Absolutely! You can experiment with mozzarella, ricotta, or feta cheese to achieve different flavors.
- How can I enhance the flavor of the Béchamel sauce? You can add a splash of mustard or grated parmesan to the sauce to intensify its flavor.

Spinach lasagna is not only a hearty meal but also an excellent way to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. After trying this recipe, I am sure it will become one of your favorites! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Sauce B ?A chamel ~- 80g flour - 1l milk - 1 1/4 tsp salt (optional and some vegetable) - nutmeg - pepper - garlic (either fresh or granulated) - green parsley leaves - optional ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ - 2-3 large onions - 1 tbsp sugar - 1 tbsp butter/lard... - 650g spinach (frozen or freshly chopped) - 100g bacon or Kaiser sausage chopped (can be omitted) - 1 small chicken/hen breast, boiled - optional - salt - pepper - nutmeg - garlic - 9 lasagna sheets (either store-bought or homemade) - 100-150g grated cheese or parmesan