Mimi's Lasagna

Prep Time: 180 Minutes

Cook Time: 60 Minutes

Ready In: 240 Minutes

Servings: 12

This is not a traditional Italian lasagna, but its exactly how we like it in our family. This is my niece's absolute favorite meal and she's 8yo so I would call it kid friendly and beloved by adults too.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large yellow onion, diced

6 -10 garlic cloves, minced

2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes

28 ounces diced tomatoes

14 ounces tomato sauce

1 cup dry red wine

1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

1 teaspoon fennel seed

2 tablespoons dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

salt and pepper

1 lb italian sausage, chicken or 1 lb pork

1 head roasted garlic (optional)

2 lbs fresh spinach, steamed and chopped or

10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained

32 ounces ricotta cheese

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, fresh grated

2 eggs

16 ounces frigo part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded

2 balls fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

1 bunch fresh basil leaf

1 lb fresh lasagna noodle, or

1 lb dried lasagna noodle, boiled for 7mins

Directions:

1. To make sauce:.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan. Saute the onion and garlic for about 5 minutes Over medium to medium-hi heat.
3. Add the herbs and toast until very fragrant for about 1 or 2 minutes Deglaze with the wine.
4. When the alcohol cooks off add the tomatoes.
5. Cook over low heat for 1-2hrs until the flavors are very well blended. Add salt to taste. If the sauce is too acidic add a little bit of sugar or balsamic vinegar or 1/4-1/2 teaspoons baking soda.
6. To assemble cheese layers:.
7. Remove casings from the sausage and crumble. Brown over medium high heat.
8. Put 1/2 of the ricotta and 1/4 c of parmesan and one egg in each of two bowls. In one bowl add the spinach in the other add the roasted garlic and sausage.
9. Layer in a 9x13 greased pan as follows:.
10. Noodles to cover the bottom, spread the ricotta sausage mix over the noodles. Cover with tomato sauce and sprinkle with grated mozzarella. Cover with noodles and spread with the ricotta spinach mix over the noodles. Cover with tomato sauce and sprinkle with grated mozzarella. Cover with noodles again and spread sauce over the noodles. Sprinkle with any remaining shredded mozzarella and lay out flat basil leaves to loosely cover the top. Lay out the slices of fresh mozzarella over each basil leaf.
11. Cover with foil and bake at 375 degrees for 45mins. Remove the foil and bake for 10-15 more mins until golden brown on top.

By RecipeOfHealth.com