Mushroom lasagna

Mushroom lasagna is a rich and hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Layers of tender mushrooms, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella make for a satisfying meal. Here’s a delicious recipe for mushroom lasagna:

Ingredients:

  • 500 g mushrooms (button, cremini, or a mix)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
  • 250 g lasagna noodles (fresh or dried)
  • 400 g ricotta cheese
  • 250 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 50 g grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 egg (optional, for creaminess)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:

    • Clean and slice the mushrooms. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
  2. Cook the Mushroom Filling:

    • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
    • Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened and any liquid they release has evaporated.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

    • In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan (if using), and the egg (if using). Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Cook the Lasagna Noodles (if using dried):

    • If using dried lasagna noodles, cook them according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a towel to prevent sticking.
  5. Assemble the Lasagna:

    • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
    • In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
    • Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the mushroom filling. Top with a layer of marinara sauce.
    • Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, remaining mushroom filling, and more marinara sauce.
    • Finish with a final layer of noodles topped with the remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella on top.
  6. Bake:

    • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray). Bake for 25 minutes.
    • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Serve:

    • Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips:

  • Feel free to add other vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, to the mushroom filling for added flavor and nutrition.
  • For a richer flavor, consider adding some Italian herbs (like oregano or thyme) to the mushroom filling or marinara sauce.
  • You can make this lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it for a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Enjoy your delicious mushroom lasagna! It's a comforting dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table!