sausage, southern greens, and lemon lasagna

i am going to lay it out there...i am completely obsessed with martha stewart living radio.  seriously. addicted.  it is truly my new morning guilty pleasure.  just give me my piping hot to-go mug of black coffee and morning living on sirius and i blissfully drive to work and daycare learning and laughing along the way.  never mind the oyster crackers being smashed into the carseat behind me and the soft pleas for more "bear-bees" (dried berries) from my hungry little kiddo. because of my new obsession with martha, i was so happy to find this  very unique take on lasagna in her recipe collection.  it seems to perfectly bridge the transition from winter (the rich white sauce and hearty sausage) to spring (the fresh greens and the pop of lemon).  the lemon slices not only add a touch of color, but they also brighten your bite.  i found this to be a memorable and very flavorful dish. 

sausage, southern greens, and lemon lasagna

melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over high heat.  stir in 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour; cook for 2 minutes.  whisk in 3 cups whole milk.  bring to a boil, stirring.  reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute.  remove from heat.

whisk in 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. stir in about 5 cups of coarsely chopped southern greens -turnips, swiss chard, mustard greens.

preheat oven to 350 degrees.  cook 1 pound of sweet italian sausage (casings removed) in a skillet over high heat, breaking up pieces, until no longer pink, about 6 minutes.

slice a lemon into very thin slices.  cover lemon slices with cold water by 3 inches in a saucepan.  bring to a boil.  reduce heat; simmer for 7 minutes.  transfer lemons slices to a paper-towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon.

spread 1/4 cup sauce in an 8-inch square baking dish.  top with 2 no boil lasagna noodles, half the sausage, and 1 cup sauce and greens.  repeat this step.  next, top with a layer of lemons, 2 noodles, then remaining sauceand greens and lemons.  bake, covered with parchment-lined foil, for 27 minutes.

remove from oven.  heat broiler.  uncover lasagna; top with 1/4 cup parmesan cheese.  broil until bubbling, 2 to 3 minutes.