Christmas Lasagne  A Festive Twist on a Classic Dish

It’s that time of year when the house smells like gingerbread, the tree is decorated, and festive food is everywhere! But after indulging in so many sweet treats, it’s nice to have something that still feels Christmassy but doesn’t pack in the calories. This Christmas lasagne is the perfect solution! It’s full of healthy hidden veggies and lean turkey, with a protein-packed white sauce that’s both delicious and satisfying. Plus, you get to use up all those leftovers from the holiday feast, making it the perfect dish for using up extra bits and bobs from the fridge. This lasagne will give you all the festive feels without weighing you down!

Method 

1. Prepare the Veg 

Start by chopping up your vegetables. I used a mix of onion, celery, carrot, baby plum tomatoes, and mushrooms. You can get creative and use whatever veggies you have lying around in your fridge. Add them to a large frying pan and cook them for a few minutes until they begin to soften. Season with garlic granules, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to bring out those festive flavors. The aroma of the herbs and garlic as they cook will instantly get you into the holiday spirit!

2. Make the White Sauce 

While your veggies are cooking, it’s time to make the creamy white sauce. In a food processor or blender, blend the low-fat cottage cheese, lightest cream cheese, and skimmed milk together until smooth. This creates a rich, protein-packed sauce that’s perfect for layering in the lasagne. Once it’s blended to a smooth consistency, set the sauce aside for later use. This step ensures you’re ready to build your layers without any interruptions.

3. Cook the Turkey 

Next, take your turkey mince (or leftover turkey breast) and brown it in a separate pan. You’ll want to cook it until it’s fully browned and cooked through, making sure to break up the meat into small pieces. Once the turkey is browned, it’s time to add in your softened veggie mix and the vegetable stock you prepared earlier. Stir everything together well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will allow the turkey and vegetables to absorb the flavors of the stock and herbs, resulting in a deliciously savory filling.

4. Layer the Lasagne 

Now comes the fun part: assembling the lasagne! In a large baking dish, start by spooning 1/3 of the turkey and vegetable mixture into the dish as your first layer. Follow this with a layer of lasagne sheets, placing them on top of the turkey mixture. Then, spread 1/3 of your creamy white sauce over the lasagne sheets, ensuring it’s evenly covered. Repeat this layering process two more times until you’ve used up all the turkey mix, lasagne sheets, and white sauce. The layers will stack nicely, creating a hearty and flavorful base for your lasagne.

5. Top It Off 

Once the lasagne is layered, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar mix, parmesan, and brie on top of the lasagne for a deliciously cheesy topping. Then, take little blobs of cranberry sauce and place them randomly on top of the cheese. This will add a festive burst of flavor and sweetness to each bite. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it in a preheated oven at 200°C (fan) for 30 minutes. The foil will help to cook the lasagne evenly, trapping in moisture and ensuring the layers don’t dry out.

6. Set and Serve 

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and return the lasagne to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. This will help the cheese on top to melt and bubble beautifully. Once done, take the lasagne out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to set. This step is important because it helps the lasagne hold its shape when you slice it. After it’s set, slice it into generous portions and serve. The combination of the tender turkey, hidden veggies, and melty cheese will make this lasagne a holiday hit!

Necessary Tools 

• Large frying pan
• Food processor or blender for blitzing the sauce
• Large baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Measuring spoons and cups

Serving Suggestions 

This lasagne is perfect for a cozy holiday dinner, but it’s also great for meal prep. You can enjoy it with a side of greens, like spinach or kale, or some roasted vegetables. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve it with a dollop of extra cranberry sauce for a burst of sweetness with every bite!

Fun Fact 

Did you know? The traditional Italian lasagne dates back to Ancient Rome, where they made a type of layered pasta dish with meat and sauces. While it’s changed over the years, the concept of lasagne has stuck, and now you can enjoy this holiday version with a twist!

Conclusion 

This healthier Christmas lasagne is the perfect festive twist on a classic favorite. Not only is it delicious and satisfying, but it’s also a great way to use up those Christmas leftovers while still feeling good about what you’re eating. With hidden veggies, lean turkey, and a creamy, protein-packed white sauce, this dish will make your holiday season a little brighter and a lot more delicious. So, grab your ingredients, get your festive spirit on, and enjoy a healthier holiday meal that everyone will love!