Asparagus Lasagna

There have been a lot of changes around here.. I want to send out a huge thank you to all my new (and older!) followers and let you all know how special you are to me. I plan on posting regularly again soon, but things are still crazy around here. I wanted to keep it semi-normal by posting a tasty recipe kicking off this Saturday -- like old times. Enjoy!


Asparagus Lasagna
Mmmm, I heart asparagus. Did you know aside from making your pee smell funny asparagus is packed with potassium, fiber, folacin, thiamin, vitamin B6, glutathione, and is one of the riches sources of rutin, a compound, which strengthens capillary walls... I could have asparagus every night by itself, let alone this tasty recipe. Enjoy!

Ingredients
9 lasagna sheets, fresh or dried (How about spinach lasagna sheets:)
1 teaspoon olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon, divided
2 (8.5-ounce) jars sun-dried tomatoes, drained
1 1/2 packed cups fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus 3/4 cup (or make your own vegan Parmesan cheese:)
1/4 pound pancetta, diced (I skip this ingredient, but you don't have to!)
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 bunches asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese (or make your own raw/vegan ricotta cheese!)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese (but you should really try daiya's dairy & soy free shredded mozzarella!)
2 tablespoons butter (or maybe try earth balances dairy & soy free "butter")

Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add 1 teaspoon olive oil. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes for dried pasta or 2 to 3 minutes for fresh pasta. Drain pasta.

In a food processor combine the sun-dried tomatoes and basil. Pulse until the mixture is combined. Transfer to a small bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup "Parmesan." Set aside.

In a large skillet brown the pancetta until crisp. Remove from the pan using a slotted spoon. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, onion, and garlic and cook until tender, about 4 minutes. Add asparagus and cook until tender, about 4 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Add the "ricotta," salt, and pepper and stir to combine.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a 9 by 13-inch baking dish sprinkle some of the sun-dried tomato mixture on the bottom of the casserole dish. Place some lasagna sheets, then half asparagus mixture. Next sprinkle some "mozzarella cheese" and some of the remaining 3/4 cup "Parmesan." Continue for 1 more layer. Top with lasagna sheets, some sun-dried tomato mixture, "mozzarella," and "Parmesan." Dot the top with butter. Bake until the ingredients are warm and the cheese is melted, about 25 minutes.

Do you enjoy Asparagus?
Do you know why asparagus makes your pee smell?
Don't forget to enter my Tommie Copper Giveaway!

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13 love notes:

Sweet and Savory by Sarah said... [Reply]

I loooooove asparagus. The only downfall is how it makes your pee soo gross smelling. LOL.

Vanessa @ Gourmet Runner said... [Reply]

I love asparagus but I'm so boring - I always just eat it grilled or on its own, never in a recipe. This lasagna looks amazing!

Ali Mc said... [Reply]

I feel the exact same way about asparagus. Colin does not. So this would be something I'd have to make for myself and then it'd be good for leftovers.

I am the same as GR - so this is exciting

Ali Mc said... [Reply]

"WHY DOES YOUR PEE SMELL WHEN YOU EAT ASPARAGUS?
Asparagus contains a sulfur compound called mercaptan. It is also found in onions, garlic, rotten eggs, and in the secretions of skunks. The signature smell occurs when this substance is broken down in your digestive system. Not all people have the gene for the enzyme that breaks down mercaptan, so some of you can eat all the asparagus you want without stinking up the place." source - http://today.msnbc.msn.com

Beth @ RUNNING around my kitchen said... [Reply]

Asparagus is one of my favs! This looks great!

Elle said... [Reply]

I like raw asparagus and only very LIGHTLY blanched... cannot cannot eat it cooked.

Sending big virtual hugs your way, Jenn!

Megan said... [Reply]

YUM!! This looks absolutely amazing!!! If only my husband would eat it.

Michelle said... [Reply]

This looks sooo good!

Christina @ The Athletarian said... [Reply]

OMG I love how Ali looked up the asparagus pee facts for you!! I also love it and just had it today actually. I've never tried it in lasagna but it looks absolutely delicious!! Thanks for sharing girl!

Don't worry about not posting regularly. Sometimes things happen and you just need to take a break and focus on more important things. I hope things are looking a little brighter for you and your family. Keep me posted. xoxo

Katie @ Will Race for Carbs said... [Reply]

I don't like asparagus! I have tried and tried but I just don't like it! Maybe I need to give it another try though because that lasagna looks really good!

Courtney said... [Reply]

yum i love asparagus! i'll have to try this, thanks for sharing. still thinking about you and your fam!

Anonymous said... [Reply]

The Asparugus Lasagna looks YUMMY!!! :) Some people prefer to eat alot of healthy things. Delicious foods it sounds like it is more sufficiant!! :)

Jennʻs Adventureʻs said... [Reply]

Delicious indeed!! You should definitely try this recipe -- perfect time of year:)

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This place is all about Jennʻs Adventures: a Maui Girl who has evolved in to the modern day female nomad! Departing from her home in 2005 until the beginning of 2011, only the leave again less than a year later. Follow Jenn's Adventures in life, healthy living, travel, and love. To learn even more about Jennʻs Adventures, read this! Thanks for stopping by, please stay awhile & say ALOHA!

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