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Lasagna with Ricotta and Nettles

17/11/2023

Lasagna with ricotta and nettles is a rich and flavorful dish that combines the creaminess of ricotta with the slight spiciness of nettles, an edible wild plant that is often found in spring. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

  • 250 grams of lasagna noodles (homemade is better)
  • 300 grams of young nettle leaves
  • 500 grams of fresh ricotta
  • 100 grams of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Nutmeg to taste
  • Butter for the baking dish

Preparation

  1. Start by cleaning the nettles well. Wear a pair of gloves to avoid getting stung and pick only the young and tender leaves. Wash the nettles in cold water several times and drain them.

  2. In a pot with boiling salted water, blanch the nettles for about a minute, to remove their stinging power. Then drain them and squeeze out the excess water well.

  3. In a frying pan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and sauté a clove of garlic. Add the nettles and let them flavor for a few minutes. You can chop them before or after sautéing, according to the consistency you prefer.

  4. In a bowl, mix the ricotta with the Parmesan, a pinch of salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste. Add the cooked nettles and stir well to obtain a homogeneous mixture.

  5. Boil the lasagna noodles in plenty of salted water following the cooking times indicated on the package, then drain them al dente and quickly pass them in cold water to stop the cooking.

  6. Lightly grease the bottom of a baking dish with a bit of butter. Lay a first layer of lasagna, then distribute a part of the ricotta and nettles mixture. Continue alternating layers of pasta with the filling.

  7. Finish with a dusting of Parmesan on the surface and a few flakes of butter.

  8. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C (356 °F) for about 30 minutes or until the surface is golden brown and crispy.

  9. Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nettles, screams of nature endowed with an interesting nutritional profile, give this dish a unique touch and a light rustic note. In some parts of Italy, nettles are used to prepare risottos and soups as well, taking advantage of their characteristic taste that goes well with various ingredients.

Lasagna with ricotta and nettles