Open lasagne with asparagus
Open lasagne with asparagus is a simple yet sophisticated dish that combines fresh vegetables with tender pasta sheets, creamy cottage cheese, and aromatic basil. A drizzle of browned butter adds richness, complementing the subtle sweetness of asparagus, courgette, and basil leaves. Our recipe is quick and easy to make, with the open lasagne concept teasing the delicious ingredients hidden within each layer. It is the perfect choice for when time is short, but you need something wholesome on the table.
Ingredients
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4
Green asparagus, cut into small pieces
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1
Courgette, coarsely diced
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1 tsp
Oil, for frying
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1 tsp
Coarse salt
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Freshly ground pepper
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40 g
Butter
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6
Fresh lasagne sheets (approx. 150 g)
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1 handful
Fresh basil
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½ tsp
Flaked salt
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1
Lemon, unwaxed, zest
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Preparing the asparagus involves removing the tough, woody ends of the spears. Hold the asparagus between your thumbs and forefingers and bend the spear a few centimetres from the end. The end should snap off easily. Next, cut the spears into smaller pieces, about 1-2 cm, to aid even, quick cooking.
Browning butter takes patience and a keen eye to recognise when it is time to remove the butter from the heat. The entire process of browning the butter should take around 10 minutes, but it is best to remove the pan from the heat just before the butter looks ready. Any residual heat in the pan will continue to brown the butter, so if you wait until it looks “completely done,” you may end up with a burned mixture.
To ensure a warm meal, serve the open lasagne on heated plates. Unlike traditional lasagne, which is baked in the oven and stays hot in its dish, open lasagne cools down quite quickly. To avoid this, warm the serving plates in the oven on a low heat, or run them under hot water and dry them before arranging the lasagne.
FAQ: Questions about open lasagne with asparagus
If you are new to the idea of open lasagne, fear not. Our FAQ section is here to answer all your questions. From browning the butter and assembling a flawless open lasagne to storage advice and battling pasta sheets that stick together, we have got you covered.
How do I know when the browned butter is ready?
Browned butter is ready when it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Once the brown specks appear and the butter becomes rich and nutty, remove the pan from the heat and transfer the golden liquid to a bowl. This stops the butter from burning and becoming bitter.
What is the best way to assemble open lasagne with asparagus?
Begin by placing a freshly cooked lasagne sheet on a warm plate, then add a layer of sautéed asparagus and courgette. Next, add some cottage cheese and a sprinkling of lemon zest. Repeat this process until you have three even, distinctive layers. Garnish with a pinch of flaked salt, a few fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of browned butter. Serve immediately to ensure everything is warm and tender.
What should I do if the lasagne sheets stick together?
If the lasagne sheets stick together during cooking, use tongs to gently separate them. Make sure you have plenty of water in the pot when you boil them – at least 4 litres for 6 sheets. Boiling the sheets in smaller batches can also prevent sticking, as does a gentle stir.
How to store leftover open lasagne with asparagus?
To best store leftover open lasagne with asparagus, first allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, store it in airtight containers in the fridge for 2-3 days. Freezing is not recommended, as it can affect the texture of the lasagne. If this is necessary, freeze the individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month.
Nutritional values per serving
Energy:
368 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per serving | |
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| Fibre | - | 8 g |
| Protein | 13.7 % | 12.4 g |
| Fat | 58.1 % | 24.2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28.2 % | 25.6 g |
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Experience the freshness of our open lasagne with asparagus
Lasagne is a classic comfort meal with pasta sheets, succulent meat, tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Our open lasagne with asparagus is a refreshing take on this Italian classic, boasting tasty ingredients like cottage cheese, tender vegetables, and browned butter, making it an elegant yet satisfying meal for the whole family. Visually appealing, it is hard to believe this dish can go from the kitchen to the table in 30 minutes, but it can. Guests will be in awe of the neat, balanced layers and luxurious brown butter drizzle.
Delicate layers of green vegetables, cottage cheese, and lemon zest
The simplicity of this recipe is one of the key aspects that make it such a joy to cook and eat. Every ingredient can shine through, with crisp asparagus and courgette providing a subtly sweet base, adorned with a layer of creamy cottage cheese and a tender pasta sheet. Fresh basil echoes traditional Italian pasta dishes, adding a delicious fresh flavour and a stunning aesthetic against the charred hues of the asparagus and courgette. A dusting of lemon zest is the final touch needed, offering a fragrant citrus zing.
Finished with glorious browned butter on top
Butter has a magic ability to make even the simplest of meals feel luxurious, and it is a star addition to our open lasagne with asparagus recipe. Browning the butter transforms it into a golden, nutty liquid with a beautiful colour and scent, which complements the vegetables and cottage cheese like a dream. The browned butter effortlessly drizzles over the lasagne, bringing flavours together and ensuring every mouthful is as delicious as possible.
Quick and easy spring meal for lunch or dinner
The presentation of this lasagne alone is enough to entice guests, and once they taste the comforting pairing of ingredients, plates will soon be empty. Made with green asparagus, which are typically in season during spring, this open lasagne is suitable for both lunch and dinner. It provides rich flavours, soft as well as crunchy textures, and tempting colours. Serve it on its own, or pair it with asparagus in miso butter to get even more asparagus and browned butter on your plate. A refreshing asparagus salad with strawberries or flavourful oven-baked white asparagus with Parmesan also make great accompaniments.
Give the recipe your own twist
Unleash your culinary creativity with our recipe for open lasagne with asparagus. Green beans, broccoli, or aubergine can replace the asparagus and courgette, bringing a rainbow of colour and different textures. A touch of truffle oil in the browned butter adds a deep richness, while a drizzle of chilli oil over the whole dish encourages a gentle heat.
You can also replace the lasagne sheets with thin strips of vegetables, such as courgette or aubergine. Slice them thinly and see how they hold their texture like traditional lasagne sheets.
A final garnish of fresh herbs is always a good idea, and basil is our top herb choice for this recipe. However, if you do not have basil, parsley, or coriander, offer a flavourful alternative while maintaining the inviting green colour on top of the lasagne.
Dive into our asparagus recipes for lunch or discover our whole collection of asparagus recipes.
