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Lasagna
On December 22, 2023 by userLasagna is a classic Italian dish known for its layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese. Here’s a traditional recipe for delicious homemade lasagna:
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound (about 500g) ground beef
- 1/2 pound (about 250g) ground pork (optional)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- Salt and nutmeg to taste
Other Ingredients:
- Lasagna noodles (oven-ready or pre-cooked according to package instructions)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
For the Meat Sauce:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef and pork. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Pour in the red wine and cook for a couple of minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and let it simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour to create a roux. Cook for a couple of minutes until it turns a light golden color.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Cook the sauce over medium heat until it thickens, stirring frequently.
- Season with salt and nutmeg to taste. Remove from heat.
Assembling the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
- Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread a portion of the meat sauce over the noodles, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Repeat the layers until you reach the top, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Enjoy your homemade lasagna with a side salad and some crusty bread. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for gatherings or family dinners.