Spinach & Goat Cheese Lasagna

Ingredients:

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 8 ounces goat cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Lasagna:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

For the Tomato Sauce:

1. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until they are softened and translucent.

2. Add Tomatoes and Spices:

   • Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust the seasonings as needed.

For the Filling:

1. Prepare the Spinach:

   • Blanch the fresh spinach by placing it in boiling water for a minute, then transferring it to an ice water bath. Drain and chop the blanched spinach.

2. Mix the Ingredients:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, goat cheese, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

For Assembling the Lasagna:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Layer the Lasagna:

   • In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce to prevent sticking. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on the sauce.
   • Spread half of the spinach and goat cheese filling over the noodles, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
   • Add another layer of lasagna noodles, tomato sauce, the remaining spinach and goat cheese filling, and another layer of mozzarella cheese.
   • Finish with a final layer of lasagna noodles and top with the remaining tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.

3. Bake:

   • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the lasagna is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is golden brown.

4. Garnish and Serve:

   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy this delightful Spinach and Goat Cheese Lasagna with its creamy, cheesy, and savory layers that are sure to satisfy your taste buds!