Marj’s Lasagna

 Marj’s Lasagna                                          yield: 10.5 x 17” pan                              

Ingredients:

2 (28 oz) (793 ml.) cans Italian style tomatoes

1 5 1/2 oz (156 gm) can tomato paste

2 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

1 medium bay leaf

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp basil

1/4 cup peanut oil

1 cup chopped onions

1 large garlic

2 lbs (907) gm) lean ground beef

2 tbs chopped parsley

1 16 oz (454 gms) lasagna noodles

3/4 lb (340 gm) mozzarella cheese, sliced

1 lb (454 gm) cottage or ricotta cheese

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

2 300 gm packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drain excess water

1 10 oz (284 ml) can sliced mushrooms, drained OR 1/2 lb (225 gm) fresh mushrooms

Directions:

Tomato sauce: Put tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, bay leaf, oregano and basil in heavy kettle; simmer uncovered for at least an hour.

Meat mixture: Heat peanut oil in heavy skillet; saute onions and garlic. Add meat browning well, stirring frequently. Add parsley; season to taste with salt and pepper.

Noodles: Add lasagna noodles to large amount of water with 2 tbs oil in large pot. Stir gently to keep noodles separate. Cook about 10 minutes until tender. Drain well, fill pot with warm water..

Assembly: In large casserole (10 1/2 “ X 3” X 17” ) pour 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce. Arrange layers of lasagna noodles, mozzarella cheese, spinach, cottage cheese, mushrooms, meat, tomato sauce. Repeat twice more. Top with parmesan cheese.

Bake: In moderate oven 350°F 30 to 40 minutes or until brown and bubbling.

 

Notes:        

• Substitution: vegetable oil for peanut oil
• Spinach and mushrooms optional
• Prior to assembling, arrange containers in order in which they will be layered. 
• Drain each wet noodle on tea towel before layering.
• Overlap noodles about a 1/2”. There may be leftover noodles. 
• Arrange each layer of noodles at 90° to previous one. Use scissors to cut noodles to fit pan. 
• Store bought tomato sauce substitution - about 6 cups required (about 1.5 L ) 

To save time prepare before zoom visit:

•     assess what pans/casseroles you have to bake the lasagna
•     make sauce
•     heat large pot of water for noodles
•     slice mozzarella
•     grate parmesan cheese