Lasagna Soup

Yield: 4-6 servings

1 onion, diced

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp basil

1 tsp parsley

1 tsp thyme

1 tsp red pepper flakes

8 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, or both)

3 tbsp tomato paste

1/2 cup dry red wine

1 can San Marzano tomatoes or 24 oz marinara

6-8 cups beef broth

1 parmesan rind

2 bay leaves

1–2 fresh parsley stems or basil stems

1/2 cup whipping cream

1/2 lbs lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces

handful of freshly torn basil

salt and pepper, to taste

Ricotta Mixture:

1 cup ricotta

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan

1 cup shredded mozzarella

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

pinch of nutmeg

lemon zest

salt and black pepper, to taste

1. In a food processor, pulse onion, carrot, and celery until very fine.

2. In a large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery mixture and cook, stirring often, until the veggies start to soften.

3. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, parsley, thyme, and red pepper flakes.

4. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

5. Clear a center in the pot and add the ground beef (and sausage, if using). Season with more salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.

6. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes to caramelize it slightly.

7. Add the wine, marinara, broth, parmesan, bay leaves, and herb stems. Bring to a gentle boil.

8. Add in lasagna pieces, reduce heat, and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until al dente, stirring occasionally.

9. While noodles are cooking, in a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until incorporated.

10. Once your noodles are done, turn off heat. Add whipping cream and fresh basil. Add in a few dollops of the ricotta mixture, saving some for topping. Stir to combine and taste for seasonings.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DO7C3KykhpC/ https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCNIgRis9MC/?hl=en

Lasagna

Yield: 8 servings

Sauce:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 lb sweet (or hot) Italian sausage

1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey)

1 onion, finely chopped

5 cloves garlic, crushed

1 tsp fennel seeds

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

salt and pepper

1 large can crushed tomatoes

1 can tomato paste

2 jars tomato sauce

Ricotta Mix:

1 1/2 cups ricotta

2 eggs

1/2 cup spinach, chopped

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

2 tbsp mozzarella, grated

1 clove garlic, minced

salt and pepper

To assemble:

1 pound lasagna noodles

2 cups spinach, chopped

1 lb mozzarella, grated

1 cup four cheese mix, grated

1/4 cup Parmesan, grated

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add meat and cook until completely cooked through. Set aside, but do not drain the fat.

2. Add onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes, or until softened.

3. Add spices and stir. Cook for another minute.

4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

5. Meanwhile, place lasagna noodles into the bottom of a pan. Pour hot water directly over the noodles, making sure the pasta is completely immersed in the water. Let them soak for 5 minutes, then drain and discard water. Noodles should be pliable but still crunchy inside.

6. In a small mixing bowl, combine ricotta with eggs, spinach, basil, parsley, mozzarella, garlic, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to assemble lasagna.

7. Preheat oven to 375F. Lightly grease a deep aluminum 9x13 roasting pan.

8. To assemble, spread about 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared pan. Place 4 noodles on top. Spread with 1/2 of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with 1/4 of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 the spinach. Place 4 noodles on top. Spoon 2 cups meat sauce over noodles. Place 4 noodles on top. Spread remaining ricotta mixture on top of noodles. Top with 1/4 of four cheese mix and remaining 1/2 of the spinach. To finish, place a final layer of pasta, topped with another 1 cup of meat sauce to cover the pasta. Top with remaining mozzarella, four cheese mix, and Parmesan cheese. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.

9. Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 to 30 minutes. May need to broil at the end to allow cheese to brown. Serve hot.

https://thestayathomechef.com/amazing-lasagna-recipe/

Vegan Ricotta

Yield: 3 cups (enough for a large lasagna)

2 cups macadamia nuts (or almonds, or 16-ounce block extra firm tofu)*

2 tbsp nutritional yeast

1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped

2 tsp dried oregano

1 lemon, juiced
1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 cup water, plus more as needed (reduce if using tofu as it requires less)

1. Add macadamia nuts to a food processor or blender. Pulse until a fine meal is reached, scraping down sides as needed. 

2. Add all remaining ingredients and mix until well combined.

*If using almonds, soak overnight in cold water (or in hot water for 1 hour). Drain thoroughly before using.
*If using tofu, make sure it is firm. Drain and press dry for 10 minutes before using. Might require additional nutritional yeast, basil, and salt.


http://minimalistbaker.com/8-ingredient-zucchini-lasagna-gf/