Mushroom, Rainbow Chard & Gruyere Lasagna

February 9th, 2009 | Filed under: entree, recipe, sides & bites | Tags: , , , , ,

Mushroom, Rainbow Chard & Gruyere Lasagna

I’m a big fan of any kind of baked and bubbly casserole, especially one covered in melty, browned cheese. And even more if that cheese is an aged Gruyere. Last week I was craving lasagna, but didn’t have the traditional ingredients on hand. Don’t you hate when that happens? Not to be downtrodden, I used whatever I had around and made this mushroom, rainbow chard and Gruyere lasagna.

Portabllo and baby bella mushroom are sauteed with onions until browned and almost caramelized, then layered with whole wheat lasagna and Rainbow Chard, ricotta and Parmesan. Cover everything with shredded Gruyere cheese and bake. Definitely much simpler than a traditional lasagna, and much more weeknight-friendly.

While I loved the richness of the mushrooms, I think I used too many. Next time, I’ll use half the amount and add some spicy Italian sausage or ground beef. I’m posting the recipe as I made it below, but am asking you all for any recommendations. What do you think this lasagna needs?

Mushroom, Rainbow Chard & Gruyere Lasagna
You can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance, then pop it in the oven half hour before your ready to eat.

1 tbsp. olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
6 cloves garlic, mined
2 pints baby bella mushrooms, sliced
2 large portabello mushroom caps, chopped
1 tbsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. ground pepper

1 tbsp. olive oil
2 bunches rainbow chard, greens only, sliced into thin ribbons (reserve the stalks for other uses – pasta sauces, stocks, tacos, etc.)
1/4 cup chicken stock (or water)
30 oz. ricotta cheese
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 lb. whole wheat, no-boil lasagna
2 oz. aged Gruyere, freshly grated

Preheat the oven to 375°. Set a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the olive oil, then the onions. Saute the onions for 5 – 7 minutes, or until soft and starting to brown. Add the garlic and saute for another minute, then add the mushrooms and continue to cook for 7 – 8 minutes, or until the mushrooms are slightly browned, but not soggy. Remove the contents of the skillet to a bowl.

Return the skillet to the heat and add another tablespoon of olive oil and the ribbons of rainbow chard and stock. Saute for 5 minutes, or until the chard just begins to wilt, then remove from heat and stir in the ricotta and Parmesan.

Now you can begin assembling your lasagna. Place half of the mushroom mixture at the bottom of a 13 x 9 casserole dish. Add a layer of noodles, then place half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Another layer of noodles, then the remainder of the mushrooms. Another layer of noodles, then the remainder of the ricotta mixture. Last layer of noodles on top, then cover with the shredded Gruyere.

Bake for 30 – 35 minutes, or until the cheese is browned and crisp. Cut into portions and serve immediately with a big, green salad.

Makes 6 – 8 servings.

13 Comments on “Mushroom, Rainbow Chard & Gruyere Lasagna”

  1. 1 schmadrian said at 5:31 pm on February 9th, 2009:

    I can’t tell you how happy finding your site has made me. I do a long-distance weekly recipe with a dear friend in NYC, and I post about these meals on my otherwise-literary blog. I’m also constantly sharing my kitchen adventures (mostly photos) with readers, and my Mom, via snailmail.

    But going through your site… Well, it makes me nod my head in a ‘THAT’S how it’s done!’ way, as well as making me genuinely excited about cooking. (If I needed any more help!)

    Thanks for putting a smile on my face; am really, really looking forward to trying so many of what you’ve shared here. (Including this lasagna recipe).

    Good cheer to you from The Great White North.

  2. 2 Mary C from NC said at 6:00 am on February 10th, 2009:

    Of course I’d have to add some red bell pepper just because I add it to almost everything. This sounds amazing!

  3. 3 heather said at 9:16 am on February 10th, 2009:

    Delicious! Added some artichoke hearts for good measure… more please!

    Cheers,

    *heather*

  4. 4 mel said at 9:22 am on February 10th, 2009:

    schmadrian – WOW! Thank you so much! Comments like yours make me want to keep posting when I’m exhausted and don’t feel like cooking :)

    Mary – Good idea…would add nice color too!

    heather – artichoke hearts! duh! I loooooove artichoke hearts :)

  5. 5 The Duo Dishes said at 12:31 pm on February 10th, 2009:

    Love the ricotta. Makes it so lofty and high.

  6. 6 Nicole said at 7:35 pm on February 10th, 2009:

    You had me at the bubbly crisp cheese… ohhhhh… my the connotations.. Adding the mushrooms is just pleasure on perfection.

  7. 7 Dunl said at 12:22 pm on February 14th, 2009:

    This sounds so good!

  8. 8 FoodGeekLee said at 7:28 am on February 19th, 2009:

    Oh my Gosh! I am so excited to stumble across your site. My sister just bought me a bag of farro and I am so excited to try the soup. I too am an avid food lover, finding a new recipe or trying a new spice gives me a thrill! I am constantly cooking, even though I am tired from work and commuting so I truly appreciate your site…… Kudos to you!!
    Keep Cooking!

  9. 9 FoodGeekLee said at 9:50 am on February 19th, 2009:

    Sorry guys —- meant that comment for the farro/kale/soup!

  10. 10 mel said at 12:00 pm on February 19th, 2009:

    FoodGeekLee – Thanks for the lovely comments! It’s always good to hear :)

  11. 11 Danielle said at 11:19 am on February 20th, 2009:

    I love this combination. Although your recipe is very healthy I have an overwhelming desire to leave out the ricotta and add a bechamel sauce to this. I make a spinach and mushroom white lasagna like that and everyone just loves it!

  12. 12 mel said at 11:27 am on February 20th, 2009:

    Danielle – Bechemel sauce would be delicious! GREAT idea!

  13. 13 Tanya said at 4:40 pm on May 14th, 2009:

    I made this recipe tonight, and added marsala sauce instead of the stock… delish!! thanks for a great recipe

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