Introduction
Embrace the flavors of Italy with our “Spinach, Pesto, and Fontina Lasagna”. This delightful recipe blends fresh spinach leaves with creamy pesto and melt-in-your-mouth Fontina cheese in layers that are as pleasing to look at as they are to taste. It’s an alluring choice for those seeking a hearty, yet refined dinner option.
Tips for this recipe
Ensure your ingredients are fresh and of high quality for the best flavor profile. Prepping components like garlic, spinach, and cheese ahead of time can help streamline your cooking process.
Why you will love this recipe
This lasagna is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The rich, creamy layers promise satisfaction with every bite, while the combination of flavors brings out the best in each ingredient. It’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions that call for something extraordinary.
Ingredients
- “2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter”
- “1/4 cup all purpose flour”
- “2 1/2 cups reduced-fat (2%) milk”
- “1/2 cup dry white wine”
- “1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese”
- “1/2 teaspoon salt”
- “2 tablespoons olive oil”
- “1/2 cup finely chopped shallots”
- “4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped”
- “3 6-ounce packages baby spinach”
- “15 no-boil 7 x 3 1/2-inch lasagna noodles (from two 9-ounce packages)”
- “3 1/2 cups fresh ricotta cheese* (28 ounces)”, “1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese”
- “1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel”, “1 large egg”, “2 cups coarsely grated Italian Fontina cheese”
Adviced equipments
- “Pasta Roller (for making homemade lasagna sheets if desired)”
- “Cheese Grater (to grate fontina cheese and other optional ingredients like Parmesan for the sauce or pesto)”
- “Food Processor (useful for quickly preparing spinach, basil, and garlic for the pesto)”
- “Mixing Bowls (various sizes for mixing dough if making homemade pasta sheets, assembling ingredients, etc.)”
- “Saucepan or Pot (for cooking the spinach and creating the sauce base with cheese or wine as suggested in various recipes)”
- “Cutting Board (to chop vegetables, herbs for pesto, and other ingredients)”
- “Knife (essential for chopping garlic, onions, and any fresh ingredients required)”
- “Baking Dish (specific to lasagna, ensure it’s oven-safe according to the recipe requirements)”
- “Measuring Cups and Spoons (for accurately measuring ingredients like cheese, liquids for sauce, etc.)”
- “Spatula or Wooden Spoon (useful for stirring pasta sheets in water if making homemade noodles)
History of the recipe
Lasagna, a staple of Italian cuisine, has evolved over centuries. It originally hailed from Northern Italy, where it was made with flatbreads and cheese. Over time, pasta sheets became popular in Southern Italy, giving rise to the lasagna we relish today.
Fun facts about this recipe
Spinach adds a nutritious twist to traditional Italian comfort food. It’s rich in iron and other vital vitaminas, making our “Spinach, Pesto, and Fontina Lasagna” not only indulgent but health-conscious as well.