I remember the first time I made Jamie Oliver’s Spinach and Ricotta Lasagne. I was looking for a vegetarian twist on the classic lasagna, something that would be comforting but not too heavy. I was also craving that creamy texture and rich flavors you can only get from a well-made lasagna. Jamie’s recipe seemed like a perfect choice because it combines fresh, simple ingredients with a punch of flavor. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that has become a family favorite, with everyone always asking for seconds.
Now, let’s dive into why this lasagna works so well.
Jamie Oliver’s Spinach And Ricotta Lasagne Recipe
This lasagna recipe is incredibly straightforward, but the results are nothing short of stunning. What’s fantastic about it is how the balance of spinach and ricotta creates this rich yet light filling that pairs perfectly with a tomato-based sauce. And of course, the generous layer of melted mozzarella and parmesan on top is the final touch. If you’ve never made lasagna without meat, this is a great starting point.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate this dish:
- Lasagna Sheets: Use the dried kind or fresh, whatever you prefer.
- Spinach: Fresh is the way to go. You’ll need a good handful to ensure a full, hearty filling.
- Ricotta Cheese: This is the star of the filling, adding a creamy, smooth texture.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded for that gooey melt.
- Parmesan: Aged, grated parmesan for that sharp, nutty flavor.
- Tomatoes: A mix of canned chopped and passata for the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic to bring out the depth of flavor.
- Onion: Adds a sweet depth to the tomato sauce.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding richness.
- Nutmeg: A pinch for the ricotta filling, enhancing the flavors without overpowering them.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Spinach And Ricotta Lasagne
I remember the first time I followed this recipe. It was like piecing together a puzzle, but each step was a reminder of why cooking at home feels so rewarding. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to make it:
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Prep The Spinach
Start by rinsing your fresh spinach. Place it in a hot pan with a bit of olive oil. Cook it down until it’s wilted, then drain off any excess moisture. This step is crucial so the lasagna doesn’t end up too watery.
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Make The Tomato Sauce
Heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until they’re soft. Add your chopped tomatoes and passata. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if the acidity is too sharp.
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Prepare The Ricotta Filling
In a large bowl, combine your ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, a bit of grated parmesan, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix well, and season with salt and pepper. This filling is creamy and smooth, with a fresh flavor from the spinach.
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Assemble The Lasagna
Start by spreading a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Layer your lasagna sheets, followed by a layer of spinach-ricotta filling. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of sauce on top. Top with shredded mozzarella and parmesan.
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Bake
Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
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Serve And Enjoy
Let it sit for a few minutes before cutting into it. This will allow the layers to settle and make it easier to serve.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s break down a couple of the key ingredients:
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Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta is made by heating whey, and then adding an acid like lemon juice or vinegar. This process gives ricotta its light, fluffy texture. It’s a perfect base for lasagna because it holds the spinach and seasonings together while providing a creamy contrast to the tomato sauce.
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Spinach
Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s packed with iron, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and K. Cooking spinach reduces its volume dramatically, making it an efficient ingredient for lasagna. The natural earthy flavor pairs so well with the richness of the ricotta.
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Mozzarella And Parmesan
Mozzarella’s stretchy, melty texture is key in this recipe. It brings comfort and indulgence to every bite. Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the soft ricotta, balancing out the dish’s richness.
Expert Tips
To really elevate this dish, here are some expert tips I’ve learned over the years:
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Use Fresh Lasagna Sheets
If you can find them, fresh lasagna sheets make a big difference. They absorb the sauce better and give you a silkier texture. No need to pre-cook them either!
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Don’t Skip The Nutmeg
A small pinch of nutmeg in the ricotta filling is essential. It adds a warm, aromatic quality that enhances the spinach and cheese combination without being overpowering.
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Make It Ahead Of Time
This lasagna can be assembled a day before and stored in the fridge. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have had more time to meld.
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Add Herbs To The Sauce
Fresh basil or thyme in the tomato sauce really boosts the flavor. Just add them while the sauce is simmering for a fragrant touch.
Recipe Variations
Jamie Oliver’s recipe is flexible, so feel free to get creative! Here are a few ways to make it your own:
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Add Mushrooms
Sauté some mushrooms and add them to the spinach filling or layer them with the ricotta. The earthy taste complements the dish wonderfully.
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Swap Spinach For Kale
Kale works just as well as spinach if you’re looking for a slightly stronger flavor. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly to soften the leaves.
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Make It Vegan
You can easily veganize this recipe by swapping ricotta for tofu-based ricotta and mozzarella for a plant-based alternative.
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Add A Layer Of Pesto
A thin layer of pesto between the ricotta and tomato sauce will introduce a whole new depth of flavor, with the basil adding a nice herbal note.
Final Words
This lasagna is comfort food at its best-hearty, rich, and satisfying, but not so heavy that you feel sluggish afterward. It’s also great for a crowd, so it’s perfect for family gatherings or casual dinner parties. You can make it ahead of time and store leftovers in the fridge, which means you can enjoy it multiple days in a row!
FAQs
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Spinach And Ricotta Lasagne Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just assemble everything, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What Kind Of Spinach Should I Use For This Lasagne?
Fresh spinach works best, but you can use frozen spinach too. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
Can I Substitute Ricotta In This Lasagne Recipe?
Yes, you can use mascarpone or cottage cheese as a substitute for ricotta, though it may slightly change the texture.