Handkerchief Lasagna: A Delicious Italian Comfort Dish

Handkerchief Lasagna is a delightful variation of traditional lasagna that features delicate layers of homemade pasta, creamy ricotta filling, and flavorful marinara sauce. This dish brings a fresh twist to a classic Italian comfort food, making it perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients for this Handkerchief Lasagna

Pasta Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour or “OO” flour
• 3 large eggs

Cheese Filling:

• 12 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/4 cup finely minced Italian parsley
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Lasagna:

• 3 cups prepared marinara sauce (or any pasta sauce of your choice)
• 6 fresh basil leaves, torn
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions for this Handkerchief Lasagna

1. Prepare the Pasta Dough:
   • On a clean surface, create a mound with the flour and make a well in the center.
   • Crack the eggs into the well and gently whisk them with a fork, slowly incorporating the flour until the dough begins to form.
   • Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Cheese Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, egg yolk, parsley, salt, pepper, and cayenne until smooth and well combined.
3. Roll and Cut the Pasta:
   • Divide the dough into 4 pieces. Roll each piece out into thin sheets using a pasta machine or rolling pin.
   • Cut the dough into large squares (about 6 inches), creating handkerchief-like sheets.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
   • Layer the handkerchief pasta squares, slightly overlapping them, on top of the sauce. Spoon some cheese filling over the pasta and add a few torn basil leaves.
   • Repeat the layering process with sauce, pasta, cheese filling, and basil, ending with a layer of sauce on top.
   • Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
5. Bake:
   • Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   • Let the lasagna sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot, garnished with extra basil if desired.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Enjoy this delicious Handkerchief Lasagna, a twist on traditional lasagna with creamy cheese filling and fresh basil, perfect for a cozy meal.

Source: www.allrecipes.com