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Methodist Women Bearing Casseroles -- Recipe Friday

This Week: Spinach & Cheese Roll-ups

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/3 cup chopped onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 14-1/2-oz. can tomatoes, cut up
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1-1/2 teaspoon snipped fresh basil or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • Dash salt
  • Dash black pepper
  • 8 dried lasagna noodles
  • 1 10-oz. package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
  • 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons finely shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoon snipped fresh basil or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil or Italian seasoning, crushed
  • 1 slightly beaten egg white

Preheat oven to 350 degree F.

For the sauce: heat oil in a medium saucepan. Cook onion and garlic in hot oil until onion is tender, stirring occasionally. Carefully stir in undrained tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, about 5 minutes or until sauce is desired consistency, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain well.

For filling: drain thawed spinach well, pressing out excess liquid. In a medium bowl stir together ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and basil. Add spinach and egg white, stirring to combine.

To assemble, evenly spread about 1/4 cup filling on each noodle. Roll up from one end. Place two rolls, seam side down, into each of four individual casseroles. Top each serving with sauce. Bake casseroles, covered, for 25 minutes or until heated through. Makes 4 servings.

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