keep your diet real

Lasagna in roll form = a gift from God.

Last Wednesday, Kevin and I made lasagna rolls. As far back as I can remember, I have always enjoyed lasagna, but I have never ventured to make my own. I am not sure why, but I think that it may have something to do with the fact that classic lasagna looks like a ton of work to make, slice, and serve. However, I was inspired by a recipe for lasagna rolls that I saw on foodgawker. Lasagna rolls make sense to me. They are easy to make. They are easy to slice. They are easy to serve. Plus they look way cuter than a classic lasagna. This time I cooked and Kevin took most of the photos. I love the way he helps me to see food from new angles and encourages me to try new things. His own photography is inspiring. Check it out.

I used spinach in this recipe but these would be great with lean ground beef or turkey in the sauce for extra protein or roasted eggplant, mushrooms, zucchini, or red peppers….or pretty much any other vegetable you would like to add. Enjoy!

Ingredients

Sauce

• ½ small onion (diced)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 (16 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped)
• ½ teaspoon salt

Filling

• 1 ¼ cups part-skim ricotta cheese
• ½ cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 egg (lightly beaten)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (minced)
• 1 package of frozen chopped spinach (defrosted and drained)
• 8 lasagna noodles (cooked)

Directions

1. In a medium sized saucepan, sauté onion and garlic in the olive oil until browned and fragrant.
2. Add tomatoes, salt, and basil. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Spread half of the sauce on the bottom of a greased 9” baking dish.
4. In a large mixing bowl combine the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, and spinach.
5. Spread ¼ cup of the cheese/spinach mixture evenly over each lasagna noodle.
6. Roll up and place seam side down in rows in the baking dish then top with the most of the remaining sauce. There may be some sauce left over depending upon how “saucy” you like your lasagna to be.
7. Bake in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes.
8. About 5 minutes before the dish is finished cooking remove from the oven and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return to oven and cook until cheese has melted.

Classic lasagna or lasagna rolls? You know my answer.