Lasagna is a true culinary symbol of Italy. Layers of delicate dough, aromatic meat sauce, creamy béchamel and melted cheese create a unique harmony of flavors.
Making lasagna at home is not as difficult as it seems if you follow clear instructions.
Ingredients
For meat sauce (bolognese):
Minced beef or pork-beef – 500 g
Onion – 1 pc.
Carrot – 1 pc.
Celery – 1 stem
Garlic – 2 cloves
Canned tomatoes in their own juice – 400 g
Tomato paste – 2 tbsp. l.
Olive oil – 2 tbsp. l.
Dry red wine – 100 ml (optional)
Salt, pepper, Italian herbs – to taste
For the bechamel sauce:
Butter – 50 g
Wheat flour – 2 tbsp. l.
Milk – 500 ml
Salt, nutmeg – to taste
For lasagna:
Sheets for lasagna (dry or fresh) — 12–15 pcs.
Hard cheese (mozzarella, parmesan or cheddar) – 200-300 g
Step-by-step cooking recipe
Step 1: Preparation of bolognese sauce
Heat the olive oil in a pan. Fry finely chopped onions, carrots and celery until soft.
Add chopped garlic and minced meat. Fry the minced meat until it becomes crumbly and does not change color.
Pour in the wine (optional) and cook for a few minutes to evaporate the alcohol.
Add tomato paste, canned tomatoes, salt, pepper and Italian herbs. Simmer over medium heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Preparation of bechamel sauce
Melt the butter in a saucepan.
Add the flour, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste.
Pour in the milk in a thin stream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Cook until the sauce thickens. Add salt and a pinch of nutmeg.
Step 3: Preparation of lasagna sheets
If you use dry leaves, boil them in salted water until half cooked (according to the instructions on the package).
Fresh leaves can be used immediately.
Step 4: Assembling the lasagna
Spread a thin layer of Bolognese sauce in a baking dish.
Place the first layer of lasagna sheets.
Spread the meat sauce on the sheets, then pour it with bechamel sauce and sprinkle with grated cheese.
Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients. Finish with a layer of béchamel and cheese.
Step 5: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Cover the pan with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Then remove the foil and cook for another 10-15 minutes so that the cheese is browned.
Useful tips
Choice of cheese: Combine several types of cheese for a richer flavor.
Herbs: Add fresh basil or oregano for an authentic flavor.
Sauce: If the Bolognese is too thick, add a little water or broth.
Innings
Allow the lasagna to cool slightly after baking – this will make it easier to cut into portions. Serve with a vegetable salad or a glass of wine for a true Italian mood.
