Broccoli Lasagna and White Sauce

here’s a recipe for Broccoli Lasagna with White Sauce:

Ingredients:

For the White Sauce:

• 2 cups milk
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Broccoli Filling:

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lasagna:

• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Begin by making the white sauce:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until it turns a pale golden color, stirring constantly.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk to avoid lumps. Cook and stir until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil.
   • Reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes. Stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
   • Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it’s well combined. Set the white sauce aside.
3. Prepare the broccoli filling:
   • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
   • Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté until they become tender, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the lasagna:
   • In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the white sauce on the bottom.
   • Place three lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
   • Spread half of the broccoli mixture over the noodles, followed by a third of the mozzarella cheese.
   • Repeat with another layer of noodles, the remaining broccoli mixture, and another third of the mozzarella cheese.
   • Top with the final layer of noodles, remaining white sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
   • Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
5. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the lasagna is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
6. Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

This Broccoli Lasagna with White Sauce is a delicious and creamy twist on the classic lasagna. Enjoy!