Cheesy Ham Hock Spinach Ricotta Lasagna
Craving a hearty and comforting dish that will warm you from the inside out? Look no further than this delectable cheesy ham hock spinach ricotta lasagna. It's a symphony of flavors and textures that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling utterly content.
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
* 1 large ham hock
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 2 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup dry red wine (optional)
* 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
* Salt and pepper to taste
For the Lasagna:
* 1 package (12 ounces) lasagna noodles
* 1 cup ricotta cheese
* 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
* 1 pound sliced ham
* 1 cup béchamel sauce
Instructions:
To Make the Meat Sauce:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Season the ham hock generously with salt and pepper. Place it in a roasting pan and roast for about 1 hour, or until the meat falls off the bone.
3. Remove the ham hock from the oven and let it cool slightly. Remove the meat from the bone and shred it.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened.
5. Add the garlic, oregano, and basil and cook for another minute.
6. Stir in the shredded ham hock, chicken broth, red wine (if using), crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the sauce has thickened.
To Assemble the Lasagna:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. Top with 3 lasagna noodles.
4. Spread with 1/2 cup ricotta cheese, then 1/2 cup meat sauce, then 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup spinach.
5. Repeat layers.
6. End with a layer of lasagna noodles, meat sauce, and béchamel sauce.
7. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.
To Bake the Lasagna:
1. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the lasagna is golden brown and bubbly.
2. Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Tips:
* For a richer flavor, use a dry red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot in the meat sauce.
* If you don't have ham hock, you can use chopped ham or bacon instead.
* To make your own béchamel sauce, simply whisk together 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, and 2 cups milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the sauce has thickened.
* Serve the lasagna with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Indulge in the cheesy, savory goodness of this cheesy ham hock spinach ricotta lasagna. It's a dish that will become a favorite in your culinary repertoire, perfect for cozy nights in or special occasions.