Lasagne Provencal
A hearty Provençal lasagne layered with ricotta, cottage cheese, spinach, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb lasagne noodles ⓘ
- 3 qt boiling water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp olive oil or butter ⓘ
- 1 c diced onions ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp tarragon ⓘ
- 2 c sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 lb Ricotta cheese
- 1 lb small curd cottage cheese ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1 packed c chopped raw spinach ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 c finely grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c grated Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook lasagne noodles in boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- Re-fill the pot with cold water and let the noodles sit in water.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a 10-inch frypan over medium heat.
- Sauté onions, garlic, basil, and tarragon until onions begin to brown.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook until tender.
- In a large bowl, mix Ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, beaten eggs, sautéed vegetables, chopped spinach, salt, pepper, nutmeg, grated Parmesan, and 1/2 cup grated Mozzarella.
- Layer the cooked noodles with the cheese mixture in a baking dish.
- Top with remaining grated Mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the cheese mixture. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute low-fat Ricotta and cottage cheese. Fresh herbs can enhance the taste; use them instead of dried if available. For easier assembly, keep a bowl of water nearby to dip your fingers in while layering the noodles.
Serving Suggestions
Lasagne Provencal pairs beautifully with Rich 'N Charlies Italian Salad for a refreshing contrast. Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider a light dessert like Italian Wedding Cookies to finish off your dinner on a sweet note. This dish also goes well with a crisp white wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. For a crispier top, uncover the dish for the last 10 minutes of reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagne Provencal contains roughly 1091 calories, with 38g protein, 207g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (237% of the Daily Value), iron (175% of the Daily Value), and calcium (120% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1264mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Lasagne Provencal ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake from cold, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I freeze Lasagne Provencal?
Absolutely! This lasagna freezes well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
What can I substitute for Ricotta cheese?
If you don't have Ricotta, you can use a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream for a similar texture. Alternatively, try cottage cheese blended until smooth, or even a homemade tofu ricotta for a dairy-free option. Just ensure the consistency remains similar for best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).