The garden-fresh taste of fresh spinach is complimented by layers of sauteed onions, celery, carrots, garlic, mushrooms, thyme, and tomatoes. A white sauce flavored with nutmeg and a sprinkling of Parmesan completes this noodle casserole.
INGREDIENTS (for 8 servings):
- 1 (16 ounce) package lasagna noodles
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 3/4 pound mushrooms, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch salt
- 8 cups spinach, rinsed
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
PREPARATION:
Cook lasagna in boiling salted water in a large pot until al dente. Drain.
Meanwhile, heat one half tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots, stir and cook until onions have softened. Add mushrooms and garlic and continue to cook until the mushrooms have released their liquid, 2 or 3 minutes. Add wine and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated. Stir in chopped tomatoes(include liquid), sun-dried tomatoes, and thyme. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer until thick. Season with salt and pepper.
To make the white sauce, heat remaining oil in a heavy pan over low heat. Add flour, whisk constantly until the flour begins to turn a light brown. Remove pan from heat and whisk in cream. Season with nutmeg and a pinch of salt. Remove from heat and set aside.
To assemble, spread 1/2 cup of the mushroom sauce in the bottom of a casserole dish, add one layer of noodles, then another 1/2 cup of mushroom sauce. Arrange a single layer of the fresh spinach leaves over the sauce and drizzle them with 1/3 cup of the white sauce. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the grated Parmesan cheese over the spinach and top with another layer of the noodles. Repeat 5 times.
In a preheated 375 degree F (190 degrees C) oven bake for 40 minutes. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Serve warm.