A Day for Lasagna Lovers
Antonis Achilleos
Just in case you need a reminder and haven’t had your calendars marked since this time last year, today is National Lasagna Day: a day when flat noodles, cheese and tomatoes meld into one heavenly stacked and saucy dish. The recipes below feature the best lasagna has to offer, with classic ingredients, new flavor combinations and, of course, the ease and simplicity of weeknight summertime cooking.
Just when you think you’ve already grilled everything you possibly can, Food Network Magazine introduces Grilled Lasagna (pictured above). No-cook noodles make for a completely stove-less dinner, as they become tender with just a drizzle of water inside a convenient foil pouch. Use this recipe as a starting point, and later fill your lasagna with whatever sauce, cheese and veggies you like.
Emeril’s recipe for Spicy Lamb and Eggplant Lasagna from Cooking Channel features both a creamy béchamel sauce and a rich spicy lamb sauce made with crushed red pepper, fresh herbs, vegetables and garlic. Serve this hearty plate with a simple side salad for a complete and comforting meal.
Impress your friends with hand-held lasagna at your next potluck or picnic by making Lasagna Cupcakes from Food.com. Light and thin wonton wrappers line traditional cupcake molds and are filled with sautéed beef, store-bought pasta sauce and creamy mozzarella, ricotta and Parmesan cheeses, which melt perfectly into white “icing.” Top each cupcake with a cherry tomato and a sprinkling of basil leaves.
For an entirely vegetarian lasagna, try Food 2’s recipe for Veggie Goat Cheese Lasagna Casserole. With fresh squash, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes and plenty of silky goat cheese, this dish is sure to please even the most demanding of carnivores.