Dinner: Spinach Lasagna

Recipe by /contributors/joan-lang These noodles have oodles of satisfying umami, owing to onions, chicken stock, spinach and Parmesan.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Lemon, Spinach

Health benefits of Spinach Lasagna

Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and other antioxidants. They can potentially support the immune system and have other health benefits. Lemons also have a low glycemic index, so they should not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar when consumed in natural form. Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. The high iron content in spinach helps combat anemia, which is common in women with PCOS. Magnesium helps reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. The antioxidants in spinach can help lower oxidative stress, which is beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms. Including spinach in your diet can support overall health and well-being.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
6 large onions (2 white, 2 red, 2 yellow), halved and thinly sliced
6 cloves garlic, chopped
1 1/2 cups lowfat chicken or vegetable stock, divided
6 scallions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons salt (preferably sea salt), plus more to season
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to season
9 whole-wheat lasagna noodles
2 packages (9 ounces each) frozen spinach
1 tablespoon salted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 egg
2 cups part-skim ricotta
Grated zest of 1/2 lemon
Olive oil cooking spray
1 cup grated Parmesan, divided

Instructions

Heat oven to 375 °F. In a large sauté pan over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions and garlic; toss to coat. Add 1 cup stock; cover and reduce heat; simmer until onions are soft, 20 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup liquid. Add scallions, oregano, salt and pepper to onion mixture; increase heat to medium and cook, stirring, until liquid evaporates, 20 minutes. Cook noodles as directed on package; drain and blot dry. Cook spinach as directed on package; drain, squeeze dry, and season with salt and pepper. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour; stir until roux is brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Add remaining 1/2 cup stock to reserved liquid; whisk into roux until thick, 5 minutes. In a bowl, beat egg; stir in ricotta and zest. Coat a 9" x 13" pan with cooking spray; spread half of stock-roux mixture on bottom. Line pan with 3 noodles; layer on half of onion and ricotta mixtures, half of spinach and 1/3 cup Parmesan. Repeat layer with 3 noodles, remaining onion and ricotta mixtures and spinach, and 1/3 cup Parmesan. Top with remaining 3 noodles, half of stock-roux mixture and 1/3 cup grated Parmesan. Cover with foil; bake until light brown, 50 minutes. Reduce heat to 325 °F; remove foil and bake 15 minutes more. Let lasagna sit 15 minutes; serve.