Tomato & Cheese Lasagna Recipe ๐ ๐ง
Overview:
Indulge in the comforting aroma of tomatoes, herbs, and cheeses with this delightful Tomato & Cheese Lasagna recipe passed down from my MIL’s kitchen. Perfect for vegetarians, this lasagna bursts with flavors and is a heartwarming addition to any mealtime spread. This recipe yields one lasagna, serving up to 6 hungry guests.
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Calories: 398.5 per serving
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 7 | Tomatoes |
| 1 | Red onion |
| 4 | Garlic cloves |
| 4 tbsp | Olive oil |
| 1 can | Tomato paste |
| 1 | Bay leaf |
| 3-5 sprigs | Fresh thyme |
| 3-5 leaves | Basil |
| 3-5 sprigs | Parsley |
| 1 pinch | Crushed red pepper flakes |
| 1 | Prosciutto or ham bone |
| – | Salt and pepper to taste |
| 1/4 cup | Parmesan cheese |
| 1/2 cup | Buffalo mozzarella |
| 1 cup | Ricotta cheese |
| 1/4 cup | Fresh basil leaves |
| 1/4 cup | Fresh Italian parsley |
| – | Ground black pepper |
| – | Lasagna noodles |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large pot, sautรฉ the onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add in the tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, fresh thyme, basil, parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, and prosciutto or ham bone.
- Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 1.5 hours.
- After simmering, remove the bone, carefully puree the sauce, and adjust seasoning to taste.
-
-
Prepare the Cheeses:
- Keep the parmesan and mozzarella cheese separate.
- Mix chopped basil and parsley into the ricotta, and season with freshly ground black pepper.
-
Layer the Lasagna:
- Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- In a 10x6x2-inch baking dish, start with a light layer of sauce at the bottom.
- Place a sheet of lasagna noodles over the sauce and spread it with more sauce.
- Sprinkle parmesan and mozzarella over the sauce.
- Continue layering with noodles, sauce, and cheese.
- Add half of the ricotta and herb mixture on one of the layers.
- Repeat layering with noodles, sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, and the remaining ricotta mixture.
- Finish with a layer of noodles, sauce, and parmesan cheese on top.
-
Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover the lasagna with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the top turns golden and crusty.
- Allow the lasagna to rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Cut the lasagna into portions, grate fresh parmesan over the top, and serve.
- Pair it with a fresh green salad, crusty bread, and a glass of your favorite red wine for a complete meal experience.
-
Notes:
- For a time-saving option, you can use store-bought sauce, but the homemade sauce truly elevates the flavors of this dish.
- This lasagna can also be assembled earlier in the day and refrigerated until ready to bake, making it a convenient option for busy schedules.
Indulge in the layers of savory goodness and savor each bite of this Tomato & Cheese Lasagna, a true comfort classic that never disappoints.
