Greek-Style Lasagna is a delightful fusion of Mediterranean flavors and classic lasagna construction, offering a unique twist on a beloved Italian dish. This recipe from lovewithrecipes.com promises to bring the rich, savory tastes of Greece to your table, perfect for a comforting family dinner or a gathering of friends.
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare Greek-Style Lasagna:
- 15 lasagna noodles (regular, not no-boil)
- 12 ounces ricotta cheese
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 cups shredded Fontina cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 can (2.25 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
- 1/2 cup diced roasted red peppers (from a jar is fine)
- 2 tablespoons dry red wine
Nutritional Information:
Before diving into the preparation steps, let’s take a look at the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 386.8
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11.4g
- Cholesterol: 106.4mg
- Sodium: 1113.6mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32.8g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.4g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 19.2g
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 13×9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of crumbled feta cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded Fontina cheese, and the eggs. Mix well until thoroughly combined. Set this cheese mixture aside.
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Sauce Preparation: In another bowl, mix together the diced roasted red peppers, drained and chopped artichoke hearts, drained sliced ripe olives, and the dry red wine. This mixture will add a burst of Mediterranean flavors to your lasagna.
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Layering: Begin assembling your lasagna in the prepared baking pan. Start with a layer of one-third of the sauce mixture spread evenly over the bottom of the pan. Follow this with 3 lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping if needed. Next, spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
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Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process: one-third of the sauce mixture, 3 more lasagna noodles, and the remaining half of the ricotta cheese mixture.
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Final Layers: For the top layers, arrange the remaining 3 lasagna noodles over the cheese layer. Spread the rest of the sauce mixture evenly over the noodles. Finish by sprinkling the remaining 3/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 1 1/2 cups of shredded Fontina cheese over the top.
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Bake: Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna noodles are tender.
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Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it stand for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to slice into neat portions.
Additional Tips:
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Noodle Preparation: Ensure that the lasagna noodles are cooked according to package instructions before layering them in the pan. Cooking them al dente will prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
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Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses that complement Greek flavors, such as Kasseri or Pecorino Romano, for a more authentic twist.
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Make-Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it convenient for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
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Serve with: Consider serving Greek-Style Lasagna with a side of Greek salad tossed with a lemon-oregano dressing, and crusty bread to complete the Mediterranean meal experience.
This Greek-inspired lasagna recipe is a wonderful way to introduce a bit of Mediterranean flair to your dinner table, combining hearty layers of cheese and Mediterranean ingredients for a memorable culinary experience. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, it’s sure to become a favorite among family and friends alike. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting textures of this Greek-Style Lasagna from lovewithrecipes.com!
