Creamy Artichoke and Three-Cheese Lasagna Recipe

Artichoke and Cheese Lasagna: A Delightful Italian Dish

Category: Main Course (Primi Piatti)
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

This rich and creamy Artichoke and Cheese Lasagna combines the earthy flavor of tender artichokes with the smooth, melting qualities of three cheeses: scamorza (provola), taleggio, and Grana Padano. Perfect for a family gathering or a special dinner, this recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish that will impress your guests. The delicate layers of lasagna pasta are topped with a flavorful béchamel sauce and a combination of sautéed artichokes, all held together by a trio of aromatic cheeses.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Preparing the Artichokes:
   Start by preparing the artichokes. Clean them by removing the outer leaves and trimming the tops. Slice the artichokes into thin pieces and place them into a bowl of water with half a lemon squeezed in. This will prevent the artichokes from oxidizing and turning brown while you work on the rest of the recipe.

2. Sautéing the Artichokes:
   In a large saucepan, finely chop the shallot and sauté it in 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the shallot is softened and fragrant, add the sliced artichokes, draining them from the water. Let the artichokes cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. If they seem too dry during cooking, add half a cup of water to prevent burning.

3. Deglazing the Artichokes:
   Pour in a glass of white wine to deglaze the pan. Allow the artichokes to simmer in the wine until the liquid has mostly evaporated, and the artichokes are tender. If necessary, add a little more water to help soften them fully. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Preparing the Béchamel Sauce:
   While the artichokes are cooking, start on the béchamel sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the flour and whisk it together for about a minute to create a roux. Slowly add the warm milk to the roux while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking the sauce, stirring regularly, until it thickens to a creamy consistency. Season with salt and a pinch of nutmeg, then remove from heat.

5. Assembling the Lasagna:
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish (18×28 cm) with a little olive oil and start assembling the lasagna. Begin with a layer of lasagna sheets at the bottom of the dish. Top with a portion of the sautéed artichokes, a generous sprinkle of grated Grana Padano, and slices of scamorza and taleggio cheeses. Spread a layer of béchamel sauce on top, followed by more Grana Padano.

6. Layering the Lasagna:
   Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used up. Be sure to end with a final layer of lasagna sheets covered with béchamel sauce, topped with a final scattering of artichokes and a good dusting of grated Grana Padano cheese.

7. Baking the Lasagna:
   Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for about 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

8. Serving:
   Once the lasagna is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot, garnished with extra grated Grana Padano if desired. The lasagna will be creamy, cheesy, and full of rich flavors from the tender artichokes and savory cheeses.

Tips for the Perfect Lasagna:

• Cheese Selection: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. If you can’t find scamorza or taleggio, a good melting cheese like mozzarella or fontina can be used.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
• Freezing: This lasagna also freezes well. Prepare and assemble the lasagna, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Bake directly from the freezer, adding extra time to the cooking process.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This Artichoke and Cheese Lasagna is a rich, comforting dish that beautifully combines the creamy textures of melted cheese with the earthy flavors of artichokes. Ideal for a special meal or an indulgent family dinner, this lasagna is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy each bite as you savor the delightful marriage of fresh ingredients, aromatic cheeses, and the buttery, silky béchamel sauce!