Recipe: Popeye's Spinach Lasagna (using cottage cheese, microwave)

POPEYE'S SPINACH LASAGNA

12 lasagna noodles
1 medium onion, chopped
1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp water
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
3/4 cup water
1 tbsp beef bouillon
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
12 oz fresh spinach (about 4 cups)*
2 cups nonfat cottage cheese
2 eggs or equivalent egg substitute
3 cups shredded nonfat mozzarella cheese (12 oz)
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Cook noodles in boiling water. Drain and rinse in cold water. Set aside.

Combine onion, garlic and 2 tablespoons water in a 1 1/2 quart microwave-safe bowl. Microwave (high), uncovered, 3 to 3 1/2 minutes or until tender, stirring once.

Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, 3/4 cup water, bouillon, sugar, basil, oregano and pepper. Cover with (vented) plastic wrap. Microwave (high) 8 to 9 minutes or until mixture boils several minutes, stirring once. Set aside.

If using fresh spinach, wash spinach and remove large stems. Place in 2-quart microwave bowl. Cover with (vented) plastic wrap. Microwave (high) 3 1/2 to 4 minutes or until steaming hot. Drain well by pressing leaves to drain juices. Chop coarsely.

Stir cottage cheese and eggs into chopped spinach.

To assemble, layer half the noodles in a 12x8-inch baking dish. Top with 1/2 the sauce mixture, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, half the spinach mixture, rest of the noodles, rest of the spinach, rest of cheese, rest of sauce. Cover with waxed paper. Microwave (high) 5 minutes. Then microwave (medium-high, 70%) 12 to 15 minutes or until heated in center (150-160 degrees).

Remove waxed paper. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Microwave (high) uncovered 3 to 4 minutes or until cheese is melted. Let stand 5-10 minutes before cutting.

*Frozen chopped spinach can be substituted for fresh. Use a 10 oz package and microwave in package 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 minutes or until thawed. Omit cooking in step 4 of recipe.

Makes 6 servings
Source: Microwave Cooking Lite by Sharon Badian