MATZO LASAGNA

Matzo Lasagna image

In this browned baked dish, matzo crackers replace the usual pasta for a rich, ricotta-filled lasagna that's Passover-friendly and relatively easy. In this version, the ricotta is flecked with basil, and the marinara sauce gently spiced with garlic and a touch of red-pepper flakes. Feel free to use the recipe as a template to create your own combinations - adding vegetables, other herbs and other cheeses as you like. The heady tomato sauce and bubbling, golden mozzarella on top can frame whatever other ingredients you'd like to add. You can assemble the matzo lasagna the day before you bake it (store it in the fridge); just add a few minutes onto the baking time. If you are using handmade shmurah matzo, soak the sheets for 5 minutes in water before layering them. Supermarket matzo, which is lighter and more airy, does not need to be soaked.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories dinner, casseroles, main course

Time 1h30m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

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Ingredients

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
4 anchovies, finely chopped (optional)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, plus more for serving
2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more as needed
1 rosemary sprig
2 3/4 cups/24 ounces whole-milk ricotta, preferably fresh
1 large egg
1/4 cup basil leaves, chopped, plus more for serving
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 (10-ounce) box matzo, preferably egg or salted matzo
1 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced, then torn into bite-size pieces
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Steps:

Heat oven to 375 degrees. In a large pot over medium, heat oil, and stir in garlic, anchovies (if using), pepper and red-pepper flakes. Cook until garlic starts to brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
Use your hands to squeeze and crush the whole tomatoes as you add them to the pot, along with any liquid in the cans (or use kitchen shears to cut the tomatoes in the can). Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and rosemary sprig, bring to a gentle simmer, and simmer at medium-low heat for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir together ricotta, egg, basil, pepper, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and nutmeg.
To assemble the lasagna, spread generous 1/2 cup sauce on the bottom of a 9-by-13 baking dish. Place matzo crackers in an even layer on top, breaking crackers to fit as necessary.
Spread half the ricotta mixture over the matzo layer, spreading all the way to the edges. Top with generous 3/4 cup tomato sauce, then scatter with 1/3 of the mozzarella.
Repeat matzo, ricotta, tomato sauce, and mozzarella layers.
Top with a final layer of matzo, then spread remaining tomato sauce (about 2 cups) on top, making sure all of the matzo is covered. Top with remaining mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue to bake until cheese is golden and sauce is bubbly, about 20 to 25 minutes longer. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 to 10 minutes, then serve topped with more basil, a drizzle of olive oil and more red-pepper flakes, if you like.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 501, UnsaturatedFat 16 grams, Carbohydrate 12 grams, Fat 37 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 32 grams, SaturatedFat 18 grams, Sodium 928 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Daim Ali Raja

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This recipe was a bit time-consuming, but it was definitely worth the effort. The lasagna turned out perfectly.

Dimpho Dithebe

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I made this lasagna for a potluck and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved it.

Ma7dia

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This lasagna was a bit too cheesy for my taste. I think I would have preferred it with less cheese.

Ahmmed Rayhan3377

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I'm a big fan of lasagna, and this matzo lasagna did not disappoint. It was a delicious and easy-to-make dish.

Dhoke Sello

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This lasagna was a great way to use up leftover matzo. It was also a nice change from the traditional Passover dishes.

CathySparks

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I thought this recipe was just OK. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't anything special either.

Rohman Raj

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This lasagna was so easy to make and it tasted amazing! I'll definitely be making it again.

Jeni Sue Mierz (Jeni Sue)

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I'm not sure what went wrong, but my lasagna turned out really dry. I think I might have overcooked it.

Jean Caleb Ishimwe

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This recipe was a bit complicated for me, but it was worth the effort. The lasagna turned out beautifully and it was delicious.

Anionted Micheal

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I made this lasagna for my Passover seder and everyone loved it! It was a nice change from the traditional Passover dishes.

Amar Rokaya

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This lasagna was a bit too heavy for my taste. I think I would have preferred it with a lighter cheese.

Nabaggala Rosemaria

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I'm not a huge fan of matzo, but I really enjoyed this lasagna. The cheese and sauce were so flavorful that the matzo was almost незаметен.

Bello ajetope

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This recipe was a lifesaver! I was looking for a Passover-friendly lasagna recipe that wouldn't take all day to make. This one fit the bill perfectly.