My Lasagna recipe.

One of the most celebrated of the Italian food staples, comes from the Greek word, "lasagnum (now called Lasagna) used to simply mean the “dish you serve in “ now holds a different meaning altogether.

This Versatile dish can be made with or without meat. .  Here are few different recipes, vegetarian and non vegetarian

Basic sauce:

2 or 3 Garlic pods, ½ an inch ginger, 1 cup chopped onions ,  4 tbsp Olive oil 3 cups chunky-style spaghetti sauce( I like to make my own by grinding 5 to 6 tomatoes in my food processor and leave it chunky), parsley. ½ tsp Clove powder,  1 tsp dry basil, 1 tsp oregano, ground black pepper and salt to taste.

Do not hesitate to add red chili powder ..1/2 tsp garam masala for that Indian touch..my ethnicity shows up right here at this point .

• In a skillet over medium, heat Oil, fry onions chopped garlic and ginger. Add clove powder, Basil, oregano.

Non veg people: At this point add 1 pound of ground turkey, beef or chicken. Fry until brown, Add salt. Add crushed tomatoes. Mix well Add ½ cup of chopped parsley. Simmer and cook for 20 minutes.

Veg People: Add favorite combos of frozen vegetable OR my combo  of ½  pound Frozen spinach( defrost), ½ a pound crumbled Tofu, chopped green bell peppers and  1 cup chopped button mushrooms. Fry until softened. Add crushed tomatoes. Simmer and cook for 20 minutes.

While  above sauce is on simmer..Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C)

• Boil  2 (12 ounce) packages lasagna noodles according to the instructions on the package.
•  
• Combine
• 2 pounds ricotta cheese ( fat free or skim)
• 4 eggs (optional)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese ( skim)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Skim)
• ½ cup milk . You can also add black pepper, oregano, Basil or any Italian mix and salt.
• Psst: If you have small jar of Pesto mix in this mixture. It just gives that different flavor, which makes your one curious guest ask “So what’s in it?”
•  

Layer a 9x13 inch baking pan with just enough sauce to cover the bottom of the pan. Lay three lasagna noodles in the pan. Cover with sauce, then with ricotta mixture then sprinkle with mozzarella/provolone mixture; repeat layering. Finish with a layer of noodles and remaining sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese..Enjoy with a glass of wine.