-
1
Begin the Lasagna: Stir together panko, Parmesan, parsley, basil, black pepper, and half of the chopped bacon in a small bowl; set aside.
-
2
Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Preheat oven to 450u00b0F. Toss together tomatoes, red onion, olive oil, garlic, vinegar, salt, black pepper, and sugar on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven until tomatoes are softened and slightly browned, about 20 minutes. Stir in basil, and set aside. Reduce oven temperature to 375u00b0F.
-
3
Meanwhile, prepare the Bacon Bechamel: Combine white onion, butter, ground fennel seeds, red pepper, thyme sprigs, garlic, cloves, and bay leaf in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium, stirring often, 3 minutes. Add wine, and cook, stirring often, until liquid has reduced to about 1 tablespoon. Stir in milk and cream, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, and let stand 20 minutes. Pour mixture through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a bowl; discard solids.
-
4
Whisk together bacon drippings and flour in a medium saucepan over medium. Cook, whisking often, 2 minutes. Add warm milk mixture, and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and set aside.
-
5
Assemble the Lasagna: Place 2/3 cup of the Tomato Sauce in the bottom of a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles in a single layer on Tomato Sauce. Spread 1 cup of the Tomato Sauce on noodles, and top evenly with 1 cup of the Bacon Bechamel. Sprinkle evenly with 1/4 cup of the chopped bacon and 1 cup of the mozzarella. Top evenly with half of the kale. Repeat layers of noodles, Tomato Sauce, Bacon Bechamel, bacon, mozzarella, and kale. Top with remaining 3 noodles, and spread evenly with remaining Bacon Bechamel. Top evenly with remaining 1 cup mozzarella. Cover loosely with a piece of aluminum foil lightly coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375u00b0F 35 minutes.
-
6
Uncover Lasagna, and sprinkle evenly with panko mixture. Return to oven, and bake at 375u00b0F until golden brown and bubbly, 10 to 15 minutes. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
