Oh, sweethearts! This Lemony Spinach Pistou Lasagna Recipe ain’t your grandma’s Italian lasagna. It is a zestful fusion of Italian and French cuisines with a punch of citrusy flavor. Made with a unique touch of lemony pistou (a French variant of Italian pesto), you get lasagna with a bright, tangy spin that will seriously knock your socks off. It is perfect for any occasion, but especially for summer gatherings and picnics with its bright and fresh flavors. Readers, you’ll love it! Why? Because it’s freakin’ delicious, that’s why it’ll hit the sweet spot between comfort food and sophisticated fare.
This dish represents the perfect blend of health and taste. It has the earthy goodness of spinach, the rich and creamy cheese with the delightful tang of lemon. It���s a perfect dish to impress your guests or just a fancy treat for yourself.
Here���s a quick overview:
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 70 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 pieces of lasagna
So, my friend, let���s get ready to heighten our senses and delve into the delectable world of this divine dish.
Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need
- 2 cups of fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cups of ricotta cheese
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 lemon for zest and juice
- 2 cups of pasta sauce
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Pistou: 2 cups of basil, 1/4 cup of pine nuts, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/2 cup of olive oil, salt and pepper.
For equipment, you will need an ovenproof dish, a blender, and a few mixing bowls. Important components of this recipe are the pistou (for that lemony goodness) and Ricotta cheese (for the creamy texture). You can substitute pine nuts with walnuts in your pistou and if you’re not a spinach fan, feel free to replace it with kale or any leafy greens.
How To Make Lemony Spinach Pistou Lasagna
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375��F. Now let’s prepare our pistou. Combine all the pistou ingredients into a blender and blend ’em up until smooth. Keep it aside for later.
- Next, grab a large bowl. To that, add your spinach, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, lemon zest and about 2 tablespoons of your freshly made pistou. Now, mix it up nice and even.
- Layer your lasagna. Start with a layer of pasta sauce at the bottom of your dish. Then, a layer of your noodles. Follow this by a hearty layer of your spinach-ricotta mix. Repeat these layers as you please, finishing off with a layer of sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese on top.
- All set? Pop your lasagna into the oven and bake for about 40 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and brown.
Tips For The Best Results
- Ensure to drain your spinach well to avoid a waters down lasagna.
- Feel free to add in some crumbled feta for extra tang and a little extra protein.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 400��F or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought pesto instead of pistou?
A: For sure, but the pistou gives it that uniquely fresh and tangy flavor. But if you’re in a pinch, go ahead and use store-bought pesto.
Q: What can I serve with the lasagna?
A: A simple green salad or some garlic bread would complement this lasagna beautifully.
Q: Can I freeze this lasagna?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to store it properly in an airtight container.
Q: Can I add in some meat?
A: Of course! Just cook it up separately and then add it to your layers as you assemble your lasagna.
Q: Can I use whole wheat lasagna noodles?
A: Yes, whole wheat lasagna noodles would work fine and make the dish healthier.
Nutritional Facts of Lemony Spinach Pistou Lasagna
Each serving of Lemony Spinach Pistou Lasagna provides the following nutrients:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
In conclusion, Lemony Spinach Pistou Lasagna is a playful, flavorful twist on a classic dish. It’s wholesome, hearty and bound to leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a summer dinner on the deck or a comfort meal in winter, it’s going to be a sure hit. And with that said, my dear friends, always remember to play around with flavors, make it your own and above all, enjoy the process of cooking and serving with love!
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