Lasagna with spinach and cheese

Spinach and Cheese Lasagna – An Irresistible Combination of Flavors and Textures

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 70 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Who doesn’t love pasta? This versatile food has won the hearts of millions around the world. Today, we will focus on a classic dish with a modern twist: spinach and cheese lasagna. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a delicious meatless meal that is full of flavor. It’s an excellent choice for quick lunches or relaxing family dinners.

The history of lasagna is fascinating. Although it has spread worldwide, its origins are shrouded in mystery. It is said that the ancestors of this recipe were made from layers of dough and various fillings that have evolved over the centuries. In this dish, the lasagna sheets are layered with rich fillings, turning each serving into a true culinary masterpiece.

Ingredients needed

- 16 lasagna sheets
- 450 g frozen spinach (preferably in balls)
- 3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 heaping tablespoons flour
- 300-350 ml hot milk
- 4 garlic cloves
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 400 g fresh cottage cheese
- A cube of butter for greasing the pan
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 80 g blue cheese (optional)
- 120 g cheese
- Parmesan, for serving

Step by step: How to prepare spinach and cheese lasagna

1. Preparing the lasagna sheets
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt (about a tablespoon per liter of water) to flavor the pasta. When the water starts to boil, add the lasagna sheets, 4-5 at a time, and let them boil for 1-2 minutes. This step is essential to ensure that the sheets soften easily, considering that the dish does not contain sauce. After boiling, remove them with a spatula and place them on a clean towel to cool.

2. Preparing the Bechamel sauce
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and add the butter. Once the butter has completely melted, add the flour and whisk well to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes until it turns slightly golden. Then, add the hot milk, stirring continuously to obtain a creamy and thick sauce. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.

3. Adding the spinach
Now it’s time to add the frozen spinach directly into the Bechamel sauce. There’s no need to thaw the spinach beforehand, as it will melt quickly in the sauce. Add the crushed garlic, salt, and pepper to taste, and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Completing the filling
After the filling has cooled slightly, add the cottage cheese and mix well to obtain a homogeneous composition. This cheese will provide creaminess and a delicious taste to the dish.

5. Assembling the lasagna
Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. Grease a square baking dish with butter. In boiling water, boil the lasagna sheets again one by one until they become slightly soft. Place a layer of sheets at the bottom of the dish, followed by some of the spinach and cheese filling. Continue alternating layers: sheets, filling, sheets, filling, until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of lasagna sheets.

6. Preparing the egg mixture
In a bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and sour cream. Pour this mixture evenly over the lasagna. On top, add cubes of blue cheese if you choose to use it, and evenly distribute the grated cheese.

7. Baking
Place the dish in the preheated oven and let the lasagna bake for 40 minutes or until it becomes golden and bubbling.

8. Serving
After baking, let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before cutting it. This step will help maintain the shape of the layers. Serve with grated parmesan on top or with a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a delicious contrast.

Helpful tips
- Always choose fresh, quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- If you prefer a stronger taste, you can add herbs like oregano or basil to the Bechamel sauce.
- Blue cheese is optional, but it adds a unique flavor note. You can substitute it with mozzarella or feta cheese, depending on your preferences.
- Lasagna can be stored well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and the flavor gets even better the next day.

Nutritional benefits
This spinach and cheese lasagna is packed with nutrients. Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and antioxidants. Cottage cheese provides quality protein, while the Bechamel sauce adds calcium, essential for bone health.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use whole wheat lasagna sheets?
Absolutely! Whole wheat lasagna sheets are a healthy choice and offer a slightly different texture.

2. Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly! Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers are excellent options to vary the filling.

3. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A dry white wine or fresh lemonade are excellent accompaniments to this lasagna.

This spinach and cheese lasagna recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Perfect for a family dinner or to impress friends. Don’t forget to enjoy every bite and experiment with your favorite ingredients. Bon appétit!