Spanakopita Lasagna: A Delicious Twist on a Greek Classic
Prepare to indulge in the delightful flavors of traditional spanakopita with a fraction of the effort required for the original dish. This Spanakopita Lasagna combines the beloved elements of spinach and feta with the comforting layers of lasagna, creating a deliciously easy one-dish meal that serves six. With its creamy filling and cheesy layers, this dish promises a hearty and satisfying dinner with minimal fuss. Let’s dive into the recipe that brings the essence of spanakopita into a delightful lasagna format.
Ingredients
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 2 cups frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 cup skim milk
- 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 8 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 plum tomatoes, sliced
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your oven is at the right temperature for perfectly baked lasagna. -
Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This will prevent the lasagna from sticking and make clean-up a breeze. -
Cook the Onions
In a large skillet, heat a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become tender and translucent, which should take about 10 minutes. The caramelized onions will add a wonderful depth of flavor to your lasagna. -
Mix the Spinach Filling
While the onions are cooking, combine the thawed and drained spinach with the ricotta cheese, skim milk, crumbled feta cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried dill in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated. This mixture will be the creamy, flavorful filling for your lasagna. -
Combine Onions and Spinach Mixture
Once the onions are cooked, add them to the spinach mixture and stir to combine. The onions will enhance the overall flavor and add a nice texture to the filling. -
Assemble the Lasagna
Spread a thin layer of the spinach mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place three lasagna noodles on top of the mixture. Then, spread 1 1/2 cups of the spinach filling over the noodles and sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.Layer three more lasagna noodles over the cheese. Spread another 1 1/2 cups of the spinach mixture on top of these noodles. Place the remaining three lasagna noodles on top, followed by the final layer of spinach mixture. Arrange the tomato slices on top of the spinach mixture and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
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Bake the Lasagna
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the lasagna is heated through. -
Let It Rest
Allow the lasagna to stand for about 10 minutes before cutting. This resting time will help the layers set, making it easier to serve neat, delicious slices.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 357.9
- Fat: 20.3g
- Saturated Fat: 11.6g
- Cholesterol: 136.4mg
- Sodium: 860.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 17.6g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5.1g
- Protein: 28.4g
Tips for Success
- Prepping Ahead: You can prepare the spinach mixture and cook the onions a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake the lasagna.
- Thawing Spinach: Make sure to thaw the spinach thoroughly and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Excess moisture can make the lasagna watery.
- Serving Suggestions: This lasagna pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and a side of warm, crusty bread for a complete meal.
Enjoy the vibrant flavors and creamy textures of this Spanakopita Lasagna, a dish that combines the richness of Greek cuisine with the comforting layers of a classic Italian lasagna. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe offers the taste of spanakopita without the labor-intensive preparation. Dive in and savor each cheesy, spinach-filled bite! 🍴🥄
