Lasagne with Spinach and Salsicce

Lasagne with spinach and salsicce (Italian sausage) is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of rich sausage, fresh spinach, and creamy cheese, layered between sheets of pasta. Here’s a recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 500g (1 lb) Italian sausage (salsicce), casings removed
• 800g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the spinach mixture:

• 300g (10 oz) fresh spinach (or 250g frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 250g (1 cup) ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the assembly:

• 250g (9 oz) lasagna noodles (no-boil or cooked according to package instructions)
• 250g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 50g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare the sauce:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
   • Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Prepare the spinach mixture:
   • If using fresh spinach, cook it in a large skillet over medium heat until wilted. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s thawed and well-drained.
   • In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, egg, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Assemble the lasagne:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
   • Spread a thin layer of the sausage sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
   • Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
   • Spread half of the spinach mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of mozzarella cheese.
   • Add another layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of sausage sauce.
   • Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of sausage sauce on top. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake:
   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
   • Let the lasagne sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Enjoy your homemade lasagne with spinach and salsicce!