Moosewood Restaurant’s Spinach Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce

 

 

2 T. olive oil                                                                            ½ lb. ricotta

1 clove minced garlic                                                              1/3 c. + 2/3 c. parmesan

1 c. chopped onion                                                                  1 egg

1 lb. chopped fresh spinach                                                    1 c. mozzarella, shredded or sliced

¼ c. + 2 T. chopped parsley, plus some for garnish               about 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked

3 c. milk                                                                                  ½ c. water

½ c. butter                                                                               2 T. finely chopped pecans

½ c. flour

salt & pepper

1/8 t. nutmeg

 

Preheat oven to 350°.c

 

Sauté garlic and onion in olive oil in a large pan.  Add spinach and ¼ c. parsley; sauté until spinach wilts.  Remove from heat.

 

Heat milk in a small saucepan so that it just simmers.  Melt butter in a large saucepan.  Whisk in flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.  Slowly add the heated milk.  Simmer, stirring until sauce is thick.  Keep at a very low simmer, stirring occasionally.

 

Combine ricotta, 1/3 c. parmesan, egg, and 2 T. parsley.

 

Grease 13" x 9" baking pan.  Layer as follows:

 

· 1 c. béchamel sauce                            · noodles                                              · noodles

· noodles                                              · all the ricotta mixture                           · remainder of sauce

· half of the spinach mixture                   · remainder of spinach                           · 2/3 c. parmesan

· all of the mozzarella                             · 1 c. sauce                                          

· 1 c. sauce

 

Pour ½ c. water carefully down the corners of the pan (this is for the noodles).  Cover with foil and bake at 350° for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes.  Garnish with parsley and chopped nuts, and let stand for 15 minutes before serving.

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