Matzah Lasagna!

Here is a super-fun recipe for those of you observing Passover…presenting Matzah Lasagna! I originally got this idea from a wonderful neighbor - thank you Hinda Bodinger - and of course, I couldn't help tweaking the original recipe to create this lightened up version. It's been a huge hit in my  house – the entire pan is always wiped clean. 

Here's how to make it: 

Ingredients (for two 9-inch pans worth)

• 6 sheets of whole wheat matzah (rinse each matzah in water (for about 45 seconds) as you use it — no need to soak. 
• 2 bottles of tomato/pasta sauce
• 1 pound bag frozen, chopped, spinach, thawed
• 2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded, part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups roasted vegetables, (to save time, feel free to purchase roasted veggies at store; eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, red peppers, mushrooms, onions, etc.)
• 1 cup water
• Optional chopped fresh basil for garnish

In each pan…

1. Spoon about a cup of tomato sauce to form a thin layer on the bottom of the pan. 

2. Place one sheet of moistened matzah on the sauce.

3. Squeeze spinach dry and in a medium size bowl, mix with ricotta cheese, the egg and the garlic powder.

4. Place 1/2 the spinach mixture evenly on the matzah

5. Spoon on another layer of the tomato sauce (about 1/2 cup).

6. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of parmesan, followed by a 1/4 cup of mozzarella.

7. Next, a sheet of moistened matzah.

8. Then, layer 1 cup of roasted vegetables.

9. Cover with 1/2 cup of tomato sauce. 

10. Add the 3rd sheet of moistened matzah. 

11. Cover with remaining sauce from the first bottle, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of parmesan and 1/4 cup of mozzarella.

12. Pour 1/2 cup of water around the outside of the uncooked lasagna. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and cook for another 10 minutes. 

This recipe can be made in advance, cooled and frozen...or refrigerated and reheated in the oven.

Enjoy and Happy Passover to everyone who is celebrating!