Ham and Asparagus Lasagna

Ham and Asparagus Lasagna Recipe | Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Ham and asparagus lasagna is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of savory ham, fresh asparagus, and creamy cheese. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

History

The combination of ham and asparagus in a lasagna dish is a modern twist on the classic Italian dish. This recipe is a fusion of flavors and textures that create a unique and delicious dish that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

9 uncooked lasagna noodles
2 tbsp margarine or butter
1.5 lb (680 g) fresh asparagus spears, trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 (8 oz (227 g)) package (3 cups) sliced fresh mushrooms
1 lb (454 g) cooked ham, cut into 0.5-inch cubes (2.75 cups)
2 cups milk
0.33 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp chicken flavor instant bouillon
0.13 tsp pepper
1 tbsp dijon mustard
8 oz (227 g) (2 cups) shredded cheddar mozzarella cheese blend

How to prepare

Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 13 x 9-inch (3 qt or 2.84 liter) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a 12-inch skillet, melt the margarine over medium heat.
Add the asparagus and mushrooms. Cook and stir for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the asparagus is crisp-tender.
Pour the cooked asparagus and mushrooms into a large bowl. Stir in the ham. Set aside.
In the same skillet, whisk together 0.5 cup of milk, flour, bouillon, pepper, and Dijon mustard until well blended.
Add the remaining 1.5 cups of milk. Blend well.
Cook and stir over medium heat until the mixture is bubbly and thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in 0.5 cup of cheese until melted.
To assemble the lasagna, spread 0.5 cup of sauce over the bottom of the greased baking dish.
Reserve 0.5 cup of sauce for topping.
Add the remaining sauce to the ham mixture and mix well.
Arrange 3 cooked noodles over the sauce in the baking dish.
Spoon and spread half of the ham mixture over the noodles. Top with 0.5 cup of cheese. Repeat the layers.
Top with the remaining noodles and reserved 0.5 cup of sauce.
Sprinkle with the remaining 0.5 cup of cheese.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 20 to 30 minutes, or until bubbly.
Let the lasagna stand for 15 minutes before serving.

Variations

Substitute cooked chicken for the ham for a lighter version of the dish.
Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions to ensure they are al dente.

- When cooking the asparagus and mushrooms, be careful not to overcook them as they should be crisp-tender.

- Let the lasagna stand for 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the ham and asparagus lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the sauce until it is thickened to ensure a creamy and delicious lasagna.

- Layer the ingredients evenly to ensure each bite is full of flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a gluten-free version of the dish.

- Substitute Swiss or cheddar cheese for the cheese blend if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.

- Freeze the assembled lasagna for up to 3 months for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the lasagna with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color. - Serve the lasagna in individual ramekins for a fancy presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the ham and asparagus lasagna with a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the lasagna in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of ham and asparagus lasagna contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of ham and asparagus lasagna contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of ham and asparagus lasagna contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of ham and asparagus lasagna contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Ham and asparagus lasagna is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk and cheese) and wheat (flour), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Ham and asparagus lasagna is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Ham and asparagus lasagna is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With a creamy sauce, tender asparagus, savory ham, and gooey cheese, this lasagna is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Ham and Asparagus Lasagna. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. The pages were yellowed and fragile, but the recipes within were a treasure trove of culinary delights.

As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe that caught my attention. It was for a unique lasagna dish that combined ham and asparagus, two ingredients that I had never thought to pair together before. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try.

I set to work gathering the necessary ingredients – lasagna noodles, ham, asparagus, cheese, and a creamy sauce. As I chopped and sliced, my mind wandered back to my own childhood and the many meals that my grandmother had prepared for our family.

My grandmother was a wonderful cook, and she had a knack for creating delicious meals out of the simplest ingredients. She had learned her recipes from her own mother, who had passed them down through generations. I remembered fondly the times spent in her warm kitchen, watching her work her magic with pots and pans.

As I assembled the lasagna, layering the noodles with the ham and asparagus and smothering them in creamy sauce, I felt a sense of connection to my grandmother and all the women who had come before me. I could almost hear their voices whispering in my ear, guiding me through the recipe and imparting their wisdom.

Finally, the lasagna was ready to be baked. As it bubbled away in the oven, filling the kitchen with mouth-watering aromas, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. This dish was more than just a meal – it was a link to my past, a way of honoring the traditions and recipes that had been passed down to me.

When the lasagna emerged from the oven, golden and bubbling, I knew that I had created something special. I served it to my family that evening, watching as their eyes lit up with delight at the first bite. The flavors of the ham and asparagus melded together perfectly, creating a dish that was both comforting and exotic.

As we sat around the table, sharing stories and laughter, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the recipes and traditions that had been handed down to me. Cooking was not just about nourishment – it was a way of connecting with my past, of preserving the memories and flavors of generations gone by.

And so, as I savored the last bite of my Ham and Asparagus Lasagna, I knew that I would continue to cook and create, using the recipes and techniques that had been passed down to me. For in each dish that I prepared, I felt the presence of my grandmother and all the women who had come before me, guiding me with their love and their recipes.