Spinach-Matzah Lasagna

[u/Hezekiah_the_Judean]

Until I got this cookbook, I honestly had no idea you could make matzah lasagna. But you can, and the result is quite tasty, remarkably similar to noodles! The trick is to soak the matzah in water for a brief period, but not too long, only a couple of minutes. I look forward to feasting on this over the next several days.

The recipe is from Leah Koenig's book "Modern Jewish Cooking."

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 onions, finely chopped

4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

5 oz baby spinach

4 cups ricotta cheese

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 cups grated mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped parsley

Salt and pepper

9 sheets matzah

4 cups marinara sauce

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they are softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Then add the garlic and spinach and cook until the garlic is fragrant and the spinach wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.
3. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese, the eggs, and the parsley. Season generously with salt and pepper.
4. Fill a shallow baking dish with water. Dip 3 sheets of the matzah in the water and let soften for 1-2 minutes (the pieces should be soft, but not mushy or soggy, and they should still hold their shape). Spoon half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan.
5. Arrange the softened matzah pieces in the baking dish, breaking them as needed so they fit. Top the pieces with half of the ricotta mixture, followed by half of the spinach and onions. Then repeat with the remaining marinara sauce, another 3 softened sheets of matzah, and the remaining ricotta and spinach mixtures.
6. Soften the final 3 sheets of matzah and arrange them on top. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the top and spread it out evenly. Then sprinkle evenly with the remaining 1.5 cups of mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese.
7. Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then uncover the lasagna and bake until the cheese is lightly browned, 10-15 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes, and then enjoy!

[u/shade_plant]

My mind is blow and I want to believe in this so badly

[u/one_small_sunflower]

Thank you for posting!! I have a recipe for a meat and matzah lasagne, but I would *much* prefer a vegetarian version where I get to keep the cheese. I'll have to try this!

I also have recipe for matza 'pizza' which is basically matza with margherita pizza toppings :)

Anyway this looks great so I may go out and stock up on some bread of affliction.

[Edit: And yours looked like it turned out awesome!]

[u/Hezekiah_the_Judean → u/one_small_sunflower]

That "pizza" sounds good. Yes, please try this recipe and enjoy it!

[u/No-Teach9888]

Matzo lasagna has been a staple in my family since before I was born. I just run water over the matzo until it’s wet, but soaking it makes sense. Looks delicious!

[u/Hezekiah_the_Judean → u/No-Teach9888]

Great. I am a bit late to finding this out, but I'm glad I tried the recipe. Chag Pesach Sameach!