Swiss Chard Lasagne with Ricotta and Mushroom

Ingredients for Swiss Chard Lasagne with Ricotta and Mushroom

• 600ml whole milk

• 1 Turkish bay leaf

• 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter

• 30g plain flour

• 1/2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoons (scant) ground nutmeg

• Pinch of ground cloves

• 450g Swiss chard, centre rib and stem cut from each leaf

• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

• 325ml chopped onion

• 4 large garlic cloves, chopped, divided

• 1/4 teaspoons dried crushed red pepper

• Coarse kosher salt

• 450g crimini mushrooms, sliced

• 1/4 teaspoons ground nutmeg

• 9 7 x 3-inch lasagne noodles

• Extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 425g container whole-milk ricotta cheese (preferably organic), divided

• 170g Italian Fontina Cheese, coarsely grated (about 230g packed), divided

• 8 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided

• Test-kitchen tip: To test for doneness, insert the blade of a small knife deep into the centre of the lasagne for 30 seconds. remove the knife and feel the blade. If it's hot, so is the lasagne.

Bring milk and bay leaf to simmer in medium saucepan; remove from heat. Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add flour and whisk to blend. Cook 2 minutes, whisking almost constantly (do not let roux brown). Gradually whisk milk with bay leaf into roux. Add 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt, nutmeg, and cloves and bring to simmer. Cook until sauce thickens enough to coat spoon, whisking often, about 3 minutes. Remove bay leaf. DO AHEAD: Béchamel sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Press plastic wrap directly onto surface and chill. Remove plastic and rewarm sauce before using, whisking to smooth.

Blanch chard in large pot of boiling salted water 1 minute. Drain, pressing out all water, then chop coarsely. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, half of garlic, and crushed red pepper. Sauté until onion is tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Mix in chard and season to taste with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large nonstick skillet over medium- high heat. Add mushrooms and remaining garlic. Sauté until mushrooms are brown and tender, 7 to 8 minutes. Mix in nutmeg and season with coarse salt and pepper.

Cook noodles in medium pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain; arrange noodles in single layer on sheet of plastic wrap.

Brush 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish with oil to coat. Spread 45ml béchamel sauce thinly over bottom of dish. Arrange 3 noodles in dish to cover bottom (2 side by side lengthwise, then 1 crosswise). Spread half of chard mixture over pasta, then half of mushrooms. Drop half of ricotta over in dollops and spread in even layer. Sprinkle with half of Fontina, then 4 tablespoons Parmesan; spread 180ml béchamel over. Repeat layering with 3 noodles, remaining chard, mushrooms, ricotta, Fontina, Parmesan, and 180ml béchamel. Cover with 3 noodles and remaining béchamel. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover with foil. Let stand at room temperature.

Preheat oven to 204°C. Bake lasagne covered 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until heated through and top is golden brown, 20 to 30 minutes longer. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.