Lasagna Bolognese

A true icon of Italian culinary tradition, lasagna is a layered dish consisting of pasta sheets filled with a rich meat sauce, béchamel sauce, and melted cheese. The result is a creamy, flavorful, and utterly irresistible dish.

 

Ingredients:

For the meat sauce:

- 500g ground meat (a mix of beef and pork)

- 1 medium onion, finely chopped

- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

- 800g tomato passata (strained tomato purée)

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- 1 glass of dry red wine

- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

- Salt, to taste

- Black pepper, to taste

- A pinch of sugar

- Fresh basil leaves

 

For the béchamel sauce:

- 500ml whole milk

- 50g butter

- 50g all-purpose flour

- Salt, to taste

- White pepper, to taste

- Nutmeg, a pinch

 

For assembly:

- 400g lasagna sheets (store-bought or homemade)

- 300g mozzarella cheese

- 100g grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

 

Procedure:

1. Begin by preparing the meat sauce. In a large saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.

2. Add the ground meat to the saucepan and brown it, breaking up any clumps with a fork.

3. Once the meat is browned, pour in the red wine and let it evaporate completely.

4. Add the tomato passata and tomato paste to the saucepan. Stir everything together, bring it to a boil, and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. During cooking, add the fresh basil leaves, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. The meat sauce should become thick and flavorful.

5. While the sauce simmers, prepare the béchamel sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and continuously whisk for a few minutes until the mixture turns golden and buttery.

6. Gradually pour the warm milk into the saucepan, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps from forming.

7. Once the béchamel sauce reaches the desired consistency, season it with salt, white pepper, and a pinch of grated nutmeg. Continue stirring to thoroughly combine the ingredients and achieve a creamy and flavorful béchamel sauce.

8. Now it's time to assemble the lasagna. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Take a rectangular baking dish and start with a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Then cover it with a layer of lasagna sheets, ensuring that the entire surface of the dish is covered.

9. Add a layer of meat sauce over the pasta, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce and a layer of cubed mozzarella. Generously sprinkle grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese on top. Repeat this process to create additional layers until all the ingredients are used, making sure to finish with a layer of pasta covered with meat sauce, béchamel sauce, and cheese.

10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. This will help cook the pasta and blend the flavors together.

11. After the indicated time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the surface of the lasagna is golden and crispy.

12. Once cooked, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld, and the lasagna to set slightly for cleaner cuts.

13. Slice the lasagna into portions and serve it hot. You can accompany the lasagna with a fresh mixed salad and crusty bread.

Lasagna Bolognese is a rich and satisfying dish, perfect for family gatherings or dinners with friends. Its succulent flavor and the combination of sausage, ground meat, béchamel sauce, and cheese make it an timeless classic of Italian cuisine.

I hope this recipe inspires you to create a delicious and memorable lasagna! 

Enjoy your meal! 🍝💓