Il Cucinologo
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Artichoke Lasagna with Ricotta and Capers

17/11/2023

Artichoke lasagna with ricotta and capers is a delicious twist on traditional Italian lasagna. Here is a recipe you might like to try.

Ingredients

  • 250 g lasagna sheets (fresh or dried, according to preference)
  • 500 g artichokes (fresh or frozen)
  • 250 g ricotta
  • 50 g desalted capers
  • 1 small onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 250 ml béchamel sauce
  • 100 g grated Parmesan
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon juice (for fresh artichokes)

Preparation

  1. If using fresh artichokes, clean them by removing the tough outer leaves and tips. Cut in half, remove the inner “choke” and immerse in water acidulated with lemon juice to prevent browning. If using frozen artichokes, thaw them.

  2. Slice the artichokes thinly and cook them in a pan with extra virgin olive oil, chopped onion and garlic until soft. Add the capers and let the flavors meld for a few minutes. Adjust salt and pepper.

  3. Prepare the béchamel following your preferred recipe or the basic method (butter, flour and milk, salt, nutmeg), and let it cool slightly.

  4. In a bowl, combine the ricotta with half the grated Parmesan and mix until you obtain a soft, homogeneous mixture. Adjust salt and pepper.

  5. If using dried lasagna sheets, boil them in salted water until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.

  6. Take a baking dish and begin layering: a thin layer of béchamel, then lasagna sheets, a layer of artichokes with capers, spread some of the ricotta and Parmesan mixture on top, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of lasagna sheets, béchamel and Parmesan.

  7. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 30 minutes or until the surface is golden and crisp.

  8. Let the lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, to allow the layers to settle and make cutting easier.

For a more Italian touch, you could sprinkle each layer with plenty of Parmesan and, if you like, add a few fresh basil leaves between the layers. These lasagnas are a sophisticated, vegetable-based variation of the classic recipe and are perfect for a family Sunday or a special occasion.