Lasagne
Doodlebrary
Lasagne, often spelled “lasagna” in the United States, is a popular Italian dish that consists of layers of wide, flat pasta sheets alternated with various ingredients and sauces, typically including a meat or vegetarian sauce, béchamel sauce, and cheese.
The dish is usually baked in the oven until it becomes hot and bubbly, with a golden brown crust on top.
Here’s a basic recipe for traditional meat lasagne:
Ingredients:
- Lasagne noodles (sheets)
- Ground beef or Italian sausage
- Onion and garlic, chopped
- Tomato sauce or marinara sauce
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese, grated
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Béchamel sauce (white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Dried herbs (like oregano and basil)
Instructions:
- Cook the lasagne noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat some olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until they become translucent. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato sauce or marinara sauce, and season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Simmer for a while to let the flavors meld together.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with a portion of the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature (usually around 375°F or 190°C).
- Assemble the lasagne: In a baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce. Place a layer of cooked lasagne noodles over the sauce. Add a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture, followed by a drizzle of béchamel sauce. Repeat the layers until you’ve used up all your ingredients, finishing with a layer of noodles on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top layer.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden and the lasagne is bubbling.
- Let the lasagne rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Lasagne can be customized with various ingredients, such as vegetables for a vegetarian version or different meats for a meat lover’s variation. It’s a hearty and delicious dish that is enjoyed by many around the world.
