Slow Cooker Lasagna (for my boys)
I knew my guys would want this recipe since they love to use their slow cooker. Takes 10 minutes to prepare, 4 hours at a minimum to cook but will taste just as good at 6 hours.
1/2 lb Italian sausage - mild, medium, hot you decide
1/2 lb lean ground beef
1 package no boil lasagna noodle
1 large tub of cottage or ricotta cheese (500 grams)
1 egg
1 tsp dried parsley and basil and thyme
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cans of 26 oz pasta sauce
PAM veggie spray
Parchment paper (keeps slow cooker clean)
1)spray inside of slow cooker with non-stick veggie spray - PAM then line with parchment paper - you will be happy you did this when it is time for cleanup
2)remove Italian sausages from links by squeezing from middle and pushing out of casing - both end, chop coarsely and fry in medium skillet with lean ground beef till cooked through
3)in the cottage cheese container crack the egg and add the spices, then using a fork stir altogether slowly, be careful not to top over the sides
4)assemble in slow cooker: pour in pasta sauce till bottom is covered, then add 1/2 of the meat on the bottom, a layer of noodles which you may need to break and lay to fit , 1/2 of the cottage cheese mixture, 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese then make 1 more layer of above.
5)cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.
6)cut into pieces to serve and use a large spatula and large spoon to attempt to keep it together when dishing to plates
Microwave Lasagna - needs to be 600 watts or higher.
Adjust portions to a glass dish that can fit into your microwave, might be half since most would not accommodate a 13 x 9 x3.
Do add the 1/2 cup water to the sauce.
To bake - cover with plastic wrap and cook at High for 8 minutes, then at Medium low for 35 to 38 minutes. Check if noodles are tender, if necessary cook a bit longer. You may need to shield the ends of the dish the last ten minutes of cooking with a small strip of aluminum foil. Don't worry it won't ignite or blow up - just use a small strip around the ends on top. To finish remove and let stand 15 minutes before serving.
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| Cauliflower |
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| Broccoli |
When you are walking through the produce section and you see Cauliflower or Broccoli on sale grab a head or bunch - make sure its nice and fresh, no blemishes. Last week I got a cauliflower for $2 and i made this soup which makes about 4 large bowls. With the rest of the ingredients it would work out to less than $1 per serving and so full of nutrients. The whole recipe is made in the microwave - which makes it very quick. Once again I use Knorr chicken bouillon - I love this stuff and keep it in the cupboard for so many soup and sauce recipes.
Ingredients:
6 tblsp butter (or heart smart margarine)
1/4 cup finely chopped mild or sweet onion (spanish works)
5 tblsp flour
1 cup chicken broth- i break one cube in half in a cup of water and microwave for 1 minute, stir to mix - Knorr Bouillon
2 cups milk - low fat
3/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp nutmeg - this has the flavour that when other eat it they wonder what it is
1 head of cauliflower or broccoli
Step 1 - in a large bowl add about 1/2 water and chop up the cauliflower or broccoli, cover with lid or plastic wrap and microwave till tender - might be 6 to 9 minutes - check after 6 minutes then heat again till fork easily pierce - then drain off water and mash with a hand masher or fork - does not have to be fine i leave it is small bits - (see my picture here) set aside to add at the end
Step 2 - Using your large bowl you want to keep the soup in, a lid is handy to have on this bowl but not necessary you can use plastic wrap.
Put butter and onion in bowl with lid and microwave for 2 minutes. To prevent lumpiness make sure you now add 1 spoon of flour at a time. Add and stir till smooth then add the next one till all 5 are blended, it will feel thick. Now slowly while stirring with a big spoon add the cup of chicken broth. Then the same with the milk - stir, pour, blend. Then the liquid bowl goes back in the microwave for 5 minutes - then take out and stir to avoid lumps. Then back in for another 4 minutes - stir again till smooth. You will feel how the thickness loosens up and becomes creamy.
Step 3 - Add the spices and stir. Add the cauliflower or broccoli, stir. Put back in the microwave for final heating of 4 minutes. Remove and stir it is ready to eat!
To be decadent you can add grated cheese on top - cheddar or swiss or Monterrey jack - no restaurant soup will be this good!!!!
