MATZO LASAGNA

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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

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

aamir gurmani
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This matzo lasagna was delicious! The matzo sheets were a great substitute for traditional noodles and the filling was creamy and flavorful. The cheese was melted and gooey and the spinach and mushrooms added a nice touch of flavor. I will definitely


Triniece Williamson
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I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this matzo lasagna. I'm not a huge fan of matzo, but I thought it worked really well in this dish. The matzo sheets held up well and didn't get soggy. The filling was creamy and flavorful, and the chee


Md,karim 2255
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I'm not a big fan of lasagna, but I have to say that this matzo lasagna was pretty darn good. The matzo sheets were a nice change from traditional noodles, and they held up well in the baking process. The filling was creamy and flavorful, and the che


Teresa Darby
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This matzo lasagna is a delicious and creative twist on a classic dish. The matzo sheets are a great substitute for traditional noodles, and they add a nice crunch to the lasagna. The filling is creamy and flavorful, and the cheese is perfectly melte


Josh do stuff Hutchinson
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I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this matzo lasagna. I'm not a huge fan of matzo, but I thought it worked really well in this dish. The matzo sheets held up well and didn't get soggy. The filling was creamy and flavorful, and the chee


Zoey
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This matzo lasagna is a great way to use up leftover matzo from Passover. It's easy to make and it's always a hit with my family and friends. The matzo sheets hold up well in the lasagna and the filling is creamy and flavorful. I love that I can add


RC
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Delicious! I made this matzo lasagna for a potluck and it was a hit. Everyone loved the unique twist on a classic dish. The matzo sheets held up well and didn't get soggy, and the filling was creamy and flavorful. The cheese was melted and bubbly, an


Warisu Seidu
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I made this matzo lasagna for my family and it was a huge success! The matzo sheets were a great substitute for traditional noodles, and they held up perfectly in the lasagna. The filling was creamy and flavorful, and the cheese was perfectly melted.


jose serrano
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This matzo lasagna was a hit at my Passover dinner! Everyone loved the unique twist on a classic dish. The matzo sheets held up well and didn't get soggy, and the filling was creamy and flavorful. The cheese was melted and bubbly, and the spinach and


Angelica Tiru
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I was looking for a new twist on lasagna, and this matzo lasagna recipe fit the bill perfectly! The matzo sheets were a great substitute for traditional noodles, and they added a nice crunch to the dish. The filling was creamy and flavorful, and the


Ann Longstreet
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This was my first time making matzo lasagna, and it was surprisingly easy! The instructions were clear and concise, and the dish came together beautifully. The matzo sheets were a bit delicate, but they held up well in the lasagna. The filling was cr


Trenton Austin
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I'm not a huge fan of lasagna, but I have to admit that this matzo lasagna was pretty darn good. The matzo sheets were a nice change from traditional noodles, and they held up well in the baking process. The filling was creamy and flavorful, and the


lansey ward
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My family loved this matzo lasagna! It was a great way to use up leftover matzo from Passover. The lasagna was easy to make and didn't take too long to bake. The flavor was amazing, with the ricotta cheese and spinach really shining through. We'll de


Felicia Isaaks
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I was hesitant to try matzo lasagna because traditional lasagna holds a special place in my heart. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious it turned out! The matzo sheets cooked evenly and absorbed the sauce beautifully. The filling was


Muhammad Shaheryar Ali Khan
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This matzo lasagna dish was an absolute delight! The combination of flavors and textures was divine. The matzo sheets held up perfectly and provided a unique twist to the traditional lasagna noodles. The filling was rich and flavorful, with a perfect