Lasagna Roll Ups Alla Vodka Recipe

Picture this: a cozy evening where comfort meets gourmet with these delightful Lasagna Roll Ups Alla Vodka, turning a classic favorite into a playful and oh-so-delicious twist!

Lasagna Roll Ups Alla Vodka are a delightful twist on a classic, combining creamy ricotta and mozzarella with a rich vodka sauce. I love how the chopped onion, and the tomatoes, crushed to perfection, really meld with the vodka.

The addition of heavy cream creates a velvety texture that makes this dish a real stunner. Even just hearing the name might lead you to think it’s a borderline health hazard—what with all those layers of cheese—but there’s something in the Italian culinary spirit that, again and again, makes the case for layer after layer of cheese in a dish.

Lasagna Roll Ups Alla Vodka Recipe Ingredients

• Ricotta Cheese: Packed with protein and calcium, adds creamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Rich in umami and sharp flavor, enhances depth.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, adds gooey texture, high in calcium.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat, enhances flavor, essential for sautéing.
• Vodka: Smooths tomato sauce, evaporates alcohol, deepens the flavor.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, provides tangy base, full-bodied sauce.
• Fresh Basil: Provides aromatic freshness, with hints of sweet pepperiness.

Lasagna Roll Ups Alla Vodka Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 8 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup vodka
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make this Lasagna Roll Ups Alla Vodka Recipe

1. Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot, boil salted water. Add the lasagna noodles, and cook until they are al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles, and place them flat on a clean kitchen towel.

2. In a mixing bowl, blend ricotta cheese with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly and set aside.

3. Put extra virgin olive oil in a big pan and heat at medium temperature. Toss in some chopped onions and cook until they are see-through. Minced garlic goes in next and cooks for about 1 minute.

4. Pour in the vodka and allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, letting the alcohol evaporate. Add in the crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, oregano, and salt, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes.

5. Incorporate thick cream into the sauce mixture, and let it simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce has slightly thickened.

6. Apply a fine coating of the vodka sauce to the inside bottom surface of the baking dish.

7. Spread an even layer of the ricotta mixture on each lasagna noodle, and then roll up each noodle. Place each roll seam-side down on the sauce in the baking dish.

8. Pour the leftover vodka sauce over the lasagna roll-ups. Top with shredded mozzarella and the remaining half cup of Parmesan cheese.

9.
1. Cover the baking dish with foil.

2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

10. Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a brief period. Just before serving, give the dish a final flourish with fresh basil leaves and finely chopped parsley. Then dig in and savor your delightful Lasagna Roll Ups Alla Vodka!

Lasagna Roll Ups Alla Vodka Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large pot
3. Large pan
4. Mixing bowl
5. Baking dish
6. Kitchen towel
7. Aluminum foil
8. Knife
9. Cutting board
10. Wooden spoon or spatula
11. Measuring cups
12. Measuring spoons

FAQ

• What kind of vodka should I use? Use a good quality vodka that you enjoy drinking, as it will enhance the flavor of the sauce.
• Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option? Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version, though it may be slightly less creamy.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the roll ups and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking.
• How do I prevent the lasagna noodles from sticking together? After boiling, rinse them under cold water and lay them flat on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you will need to peel and crush them beforehand.
• Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for vodka in this recipe? You can substitute vodka with chicken broth or water if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
• How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Lasagna Roll Ups Alla Vodka Recipe Substitutions and Variations

To make ricotta cheese: Substitute with cottage cheese or mascarpone cheese for a slightly different texture and flavor.
For the liquid: Substitute white wine or chicken stock for vodka to make it non-alcoholic.
To make the crushed tomatoes: If necessary, you may use fresh, pureed tomatoes or tomato sauce.
For the heavy cream: Substitute with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter version.
Instead of mozzarella cheese: Provolone or fontina cheese can be used as an alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Cheese Enhancement For a richer flavor, consider adding a layer of fresh grated nutmeg to the ricotta mixture. This will bring out the natural creaminess of the cheese blend.

2. Noodle Preparation To prevent the noodles from sticking together after boiling, drizzle a little olive oil over them while they’re laid out on the towel. This also prevents them from becoming too dry.

3. Sauce Depth For a deeper, more complex sauce, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes when preparing the vodka sauce.

4. Herb Infusion When simmering the vodka sauce, add a sprig of fresh basil to the pan. Remove it before assembling the dish for an aromatic infusion without overpowering the other flavors.

5. Baking Tip For a crispy, golden-brown top, switch to broiling for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to ensure it doesn’t burn.