Mushroom and Swiss Chard Lasagna

For brands of oven-ready lasagna noodles that contain 12 noodles per box, use 3 noodles per layer. For those with 16 noodles, use 4 per layer. Serves 8.

1 lb. Swiss chard, well rinsed, or 16 oz. frozen spinach
2 tsp. olive oil
1 lb. cremini or baby bella mushrooms, quartered
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
1 26-oz. jar marinara sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 large egg
1 15-oz. container low-fat ricotta cheese
2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 8- to 9-oz. pkg. oven-ready lasagna noodles (12 to 16 noodles)
2 cups grated part-skim mozzarella cheese

Bring large pot of water to a boil. Remove stems from Swiss chard leaves; cut stems into 1/2-inch lengths. Cut leaves into 1-inch strips. Add stems to boiling water, cover and cook 3 minutes. Add leaves, cover and cook 3 to 4 minutes, until tender. Drain, rinse under cold water; press out excess moisture.

Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, and cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 5 minutes, or until browned. Add garlic and crushed red pepper; cook, stirring, about 10 seconds. Transfer to bowl, and stir in Swiss chard and 2 cups marinara sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

Whisk together egg, ricotta, 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper in bowl. Put 3 or 4 lasagna noodles in large bowl, and cover with warm water; let soak.

Preheat oven to 400F.

Spread about 1/2 cup marinara sauce in 9x13-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Place 3 or 4 dry noodles over sauce. Cover with 2/3 cup ricotta mixture. Top with 1 1/2 cups Swiss chard mixture. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup mozzarella. Repeat layering two times.

Lift soaked noodles from water, pat dry and arrange on top of lasagna. Cover with remaining marinara sauce. Tightly cover pan with aluminum foil. (Lasagna can be prepared ahead to this point, and refrigerated up to 2 days.)

Bake 35 minutes, and then uncover. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese and mozzarella. Bake, uncovered, about 15 minutes, until noodles are tender. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Mushroom and Swiss Chard Lasagna (Weekly Recipe - April 10, 2007)