Lasagna with Spinach and Ricotta
INGREDIENTS
- For the Lasagna: - 9 pre-cooked lasagna sheets 
- 400g fresh or frozen chopped spinach 
- 500g ricotta cheese 
- 1 egg 
- 150g grated mozzarella cheese 
- 150g grated parmesan cheese 
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 
- Olive oil for cooking 
 
- For the Tomato Sauce: - 800g canned crushed tomatoes 
- 1 onion, finely chopped 
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste 
- 2 bay leaves 
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano 
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 
 
PREPARATION
For the tomato sauce :
- In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. 
- Add the tomato paste, canned crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the sauce for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. Remove the bay leaves and set aside. 
Prepare the Spinach and Ricotta Filling:
- In a pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. 
- Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted and any released moisture evaporates. Let it cool. 
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated parmesan, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked spinach and mix well. 
Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). 
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce. 
- Place a layer of pre-cooked lasagna sheets over the sauce. 
- Spread half of the spinach and ricotta mixture over the lasagna sheets. 
- Repeat the process by adding another layer of tomato sauce, lasagna sheets, and spinach and ricotta mixture. 
- Finish with a layer of lasagna sheets, tomato sauce, and sprinkle with grated mozzarella and the remaining parmesan. 
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the lasagna is cooked through. - Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The spinach and ricotta lasagna is ready to be enjoyed! 
 
                        