Mediterranean Delights
2 lbs lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 can 6 oz tomato paste
1 can 6-8 oz tomato sauce (Muir Glen organic is excellent)
1 tsp dry basil leaves
1/2 tsp dry rosemary crushed
12 to 16 lasagna noodles
salted water for boiling noodles
1 cup shredded fontina or mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups (1 lb) ricotta cheese (lowfat)
1 egg
1/2 cup chopped Italian (flat leaf) parsley
1/4 cup shredded fontina or mozzarella cheese
dash of salt
dash of nutmeg
mash the meat it is best to leave some good size pieces.
Add the onions and a dash of salt and pepper. Cook on high,
then medium until meat is browned.
2. Stir in the tomato paste and mix. Carefully add the sauce and
herbs. Reduce to low heat. Stir often, add a little cold water
to sauce if too thick.
3. While the meat sauce is cooking. Bring a large stock pot of
salted water to a boil. Add a few drops of oil.
4. While waiting for water to boil, prepare the ricotta cheese
filling. Mix together the ricotta, 1 egg, parsley, shredded
cheese, salt and nutmeg. Set aside.
5. When rapid boil begins add the lasagna noodles. Cook al
-dente (to the tooth). Do not over cook.
6. Drain the noodles and quickly rinse with cold water, drain
again. Preheat oven now at 375 degrees F.
7. Place about one laddle full of the tomato sauce (avoiding
meat) in bottom of 9" x 13" baking pan. Arrange about three
or four noodles in the bottom.
8. Begin by spreading the meat sauce over this layer of
noodles. Then place the ricotta cheese misture over the meat
sauce. Now layer again with noodles. Repeat with meat
sauce and cheese layer.
9. The top layer should end in noodles with some tomato sauce.
On this sprinkle the shredded cheese and Parmesan cheese.
10. Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes.
During last 5 minutes cook uncovered to brown the cheese at
the top.
11. Allow to set for about 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy with a
good green leafy salad, garlic bread, green beans and a
good Italian dessert!
