Step 1

Bring a large saucepan of generously salted water to a boil. Add half the noodles, dropping each in separately, and cook, stirring gently, until pliable but still firm, about 4 minutes. Lift the noodles out of the water with a slotted spoon then lay them on a sheet of foil in a single layer, not touching. Lightly drizzle the noodles with 1 tablespoon olive oil then rub them all over to coat well. Repeat with the remaining noodles and 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Step 2

Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until completely soft and starting to caramelize, about 20 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and garlic and cook, stirring until lightly caramelized, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, bay leaf and 1 cup water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Discard the bay leaf. Carefully puree the sauce in a blender until smooth and return it to the pot. Stir in the parsley and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Shred half of the mozzarella on the large holes of a box grater. Add it to a large bowl, along with the ricotta, Parmesan, basil, eggs, 1 teaspoon salt and the 1/2 teaspoon pepper and stir to combine. Divide the ricotta mixture among the noodles, putting 2 to 3 tablespoons in each, and spread into an even layer. Reserve the remaining piece of mozzarella.

Step 4

Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and spread 1/2 cup of the sauce over the bottom. Cut each lasagna noodle in half lengthwise then roll each noodle strip into a pinwheel. Rotate the pinwheels so the frilly ends are on top, then transfer them to the prepared pan in a snug, even layer. Pour the remaining sauce over the noodles, using the back of a spoon to spread it evenly over the top and into any gaps.

Step 5

Cover the pan with foil and bake until the noodles are tender and the lasagna is warmed through and bubbling, about 30 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven. Tear the remaining mozzarella into pieces and scatter them over the noodles. Return the lasagna to the oven until the mozzarella is just melted, 5 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before unmolding. Carefully remove the sides of the pan, top with basil leaves and serve immediately.