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Farmer Cheese Lasagna Roll-ups

Is there a wintertime staple and comfort food more beloved than lasagna? And when made with Lifeway Farmer Cheese, it’s even better. Our recipe for Farmer Cheese Lasagna Roll-ups marries the mild taste of our soft cheese with the slight acidity of the tomato sauce for a perfectly balanced bite. The dish is layered with pasta, fresh baby spinach, and a curated selection of spices, making it a must-try.

Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Actually Need to Know

With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.

Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunityimprove allergies, and improve digestion.

Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school age years. In addition, kefir made from whole fat milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health.

Prebiotics + Probiotics = a Healthy You

Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates naturally found in a variety of foods. Your body actually can’t digest prebiotics, so they’re what probiotics feed off of to remain actively working in your digestive system. They help the digestive system by promoting the growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics work together in balance to make sure our digestive system stays on track and regular. Research has found that consuming a variety of prebiotic and probiotic food sources may improve your body’s natural functions, including both your immune and digestive systems.

Directions

  1. Cook noodles in a large pot of water until al dente. Drain and let noodles set in cold water for a minute or two. Lay out on paper towels to dry.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 and grab a 9” x 11” glass dish. Spray the dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
  3. Rinse and chop the fresh spinach (or give the thawed spinach one last squeeze and chop). Thoroughly mix together the spinach, Farmer Cheese, egg, garlic, Parmesan cheese and basil. Add salt and pepper as desired.
  4. Spread 1/4 - 1/3 cup of pasta sauce in a thin layer on the bottom of the glass dish.
  5. Lay a piece of wax paper on the counter for your noodles. Spread about two to three tablespoons of the mixture evenly onto the noodle. Make sure the noodle is covered but not too thick.
  6. Roll the noodle and place seam side down onto the baking dish. Repeat with remaining noodles.
  7. Once all noodles are rolled and placed in the glass dish, ladle the sauce onto each roll.
  8. Sprinkle some mozzarella cheese on top of each roll, if desired, or additional salt, pepper and basil.
  9. Cover dish with tin foil and bake for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes.
  10. Serve hot with a large salad and a tall glass of creamy kefir!

    Notes

  • *If you don't have fresh spinach, substitute one box of frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed very well to remove all excess moisture.
  • **For a lighter dish, substitute the lasagna noodles for zucchini. Simply cut two large zucchini into 1/4" slices, spray with non-stick cooking spray and grill or bake until soft.