She Strengthens

Spicy Southwest Meets Italian Flair

Get ready for a flavor explosion as two culinary worlds collide in this innovative lasagna recipe. The bold, smoky heat of the Southwest meets the rich, creamy essence of Italy, resulting in a dish that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Preparation is Key

Before you begin, make sure to prepare your Poblano Pesto and Chipotle-Tomato Sauce ahead of time. These essential components will elevate your lasagna to new heights.

A Flavorful Union

This recipe yields 12 servings and takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare, plus additional time for making the pesto and sauce. The level of difficulty is medium, but the end result is well worth the effort.

Gather Your Ingredients

• 32 ounces whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, to taste
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, to taste
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black or white pepper, to taste
• 1 cup Chipotle-Tomato Sauce
• 12 “no boil” lasagna noodles
• 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
• 1 recipe Poblano Pesto

Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Mix the ricotta, nutmeg, and Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. In a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, brush the bottom with extra-virgin olive oil and spread 1 cup of the Chipotle-Tomato Sauce. Arrange three lasagna noodles on top, followed by 1 cup of the ricotta mixture. Repeat this process twice more, finishing with noodles and sauce. Cover with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

The Finishing Touches

Let the lasagna stand for 10 minutes before cutting into 12 equal portions. To serve, warm the remaining Chipotle-Tomato Sauce and ladle 4 tablespoons onto each plate, spreading it out to cover the center. Place a portion of the lasagna in the middle of the plate and garnish with a spoonful of Poblano Pesto. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Beverage Pairing

For the perfect accompaniment, try a glass of Drylands Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand’s Marlborough district. This crisp, herbaceous wine complements the spicy, smoky flavors of the lasagna, while its fruity notes enhance the overall dining experience.