A really good Recipe: Barbara’s Gourmet Lagsana

This is a family favorite… when done right.  It is based off Mom’s “Lagsana” (Lasagna with out any meat).  It is not too expensive, not to hard to make, and serves 12.  Add a set of home made garlic toast and some veggies or/and a salad and that soon serves 18.

Mom would make this on “Fast Sunday” for our meal when we got home from church on the first Sunday of the month.  It was right after Dad got paid and the shopping was done.  A very nice treat for the family.

Here is what you need:

• A box of lasagna noodles ($1.69)
• 16 oz of Cottage Cheese ($2.64)
• 16 oz of Ricotta Cheese ($3.56)
• 36 oz jar of Spaghetti Sauce ($1.89)
• 16 oz of shredded Mozerella ($2.95)
• less than ½ table spoon of seasoning (Italian, Oregano, Onion powder, Garlic powder – Less than $1)

Total cost: $13.73, or $1.15 a serving.

How to make:

• Boil the lasagna noodles (about 15 min) this is key because the no boil method does not taste as well.
• Drain the noodles, and rinse with cold water. (1 min)
• Pour 1/3 rd of the jar of sauce in the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan. (High sides are better, a “deep” pan)
• Place a layer of cooked noodles in the pan, then spoon Cottage Cheese over them, sprinkle one of the seasonings on top of that.
• Add the next layer of cooked noodles on top, then shredded cheese, seasoning
• Add the next layer of cooked noodles on top, then Ricotta Cheese, seasoning
• Repeat till you are out of noodles.  Be sure to save about ¼ of the shredded cheese for the last layer (the top) (about 15 min)
• On the last layer, pour the rest of the sauce on top, then cover with cheese.
• Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour at 350F/176C/449.8K.
• Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes.

Total prep time: 31 min, Total cook time 1:30 hours.

Of note, let Lagsana sit for at least 10 min, longer is better to firm up.  This stores great in the refrigerator and rewarms up well in the microwave.  Some times I think it is better after sitting in the refrigerator and warmed than fresh from the oven.