May | 2015 | leannes.cooking

The combination of smoked chicken and chargrilled artichokes works really well in this, simple to make, lasagne. I used Delmaine chargrilled artichokes to add a subtle “barbecue” flavour which really enhances the smoked chicken. Only use the chicken flesh, not the skin.

Cottage cheese could be replaced with ricotta if you prefer – I find the taste very similar, real difference is that ricotta is a lot more expensive but does end up smoother than cottage cheese.

I’ve used dry lasagne sheets which don’t require pre-cooking, but you could substitute this for fresh lasagne. The quantity of lasagne required will vary – you just need enough to cover two layers (this was 5 sheets of the brand I used).

Edam is my preferred cheese as it has around 25% less fat than most of the other “everyday” cheeses and the parmesan adds plenty of authentic “cheesy” flavour.

Smoked Chicken & Artichoke Lasagne

(Serves 6)

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (crushed)
½ cup red wine
400 gram tin chopped tomatoes
400 grams smoked chicken (roughly shredded)
1 cup edam cheese (grated – medium)
1½ cups parmesan cheese (grated – finely)
500 grams lite cottage cheese
275 gram jar chargrilled artichokes in oil
3 tablespoons chopped black olives
Small bunch fresh basil (chopped)
Freshly ground salt & black pepper
Lasagne sheets

Heat the oil and add onions and garlic, season and simmer gently until opaque. Add red wine, tomatoes and basil and continue to simmer until reduced to a chunky sauce.