Lasagna
Lasagna with Bolognese ragù, béchamel sauce, and delicious surprises
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 8
I invite you to discover a recipe for lasagna with Bolognese ragù and béchamel sauce, a tasty and comforting dish, perfect for a family meal or to impress friends. This recipe combines tradition with a touch of innovation, adding surprise ingredients that transform each serving into an unforgettable culinary experience.
A brief history of lasagna
Lasagna is an iconic dish with deep roots in Mediterranean cuisine, which has evolved over the centuries. Its origins can be traced back to ancient wheat pies, but today, lasagna is synonymous with delicious layers of pasta, meat, and sauces that blend perfectly. Every family has its own version, and today I will present one of the most delicious lasagna recipes, with ingredients that add extra flavor.
Necessary ingredients
- 500 g lasagna pasta
- 150 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 boiled eggs
- 100 g salami, diced
- 200 g mozzarella, diced
- 1 kg béchamel sauce (see recipe below)
- 100 g butter
- 100 g all-purpose flour
- 1 l milk
- Nutmeg (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 kg Bolognese ragù (see recipe below)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 500 g ground meat (beef or a mix of meats)
- ½ cup of wine
- ½ cup of beef stock (or water)
- 350 g tomato paste
- Olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
- Fresh basil (or dried, to preference)
Preparing the béchamel sauce
1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once completely melted, remove the saucepan from the heat.
2. Add the flour and mix well with a whisk or spatula, ensuring no lumps form.
3. Place the saucepan back on the heat and gradually add the milk, stirring continuously. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Season with salt and a pinch of nutmeg, to taste. Allow the sauce to cool slightly.
Preparing the Bolognese ragù
1. In a large skillet, add a little olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent.
2. Add the ground meat and stir until it changes color.
3. Pour in the wine and let it simmer until it evaporates almost completely.
4. Add the beef stock and let it simmer until all the liquid is absorbed.
5. Incorporate the tomato paste and basil, allowing the sauce to simmer on low heat until it thickens (about 15-20 minutes).
Assembling the lasagna
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
3. Spread a thin layer of Bolognese ragù on the bottom of the dish, followed by a layer of lasagna sheets.
4. Add a layer of béchamel sauce, then a layer of ragù.
5. Sprinkle the diced boiled eggs and grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Repeat the layers: lasagna sheets, béchamel sauce, salami, Parmesan, and then again lasagna sheets.
7. Continue with a final layer of béchamel sauce, ragù, mozzarella, and a bit of Parmesan on top.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent burning) and bake for 40 minutes.
9. Remove the aluminum foil and let the lasagna bake for another 20 minutes to brown nicely.
Tips and useful advice
- You can also add vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to the ragù to enhance the flavor.
- If you want a vegetarian version, replace the meat with a mix of vegetables or tofu.
- Lasagna can be prepared a day in advance, and the next day it is even tastier as the flavors meld perfectly.
- Serve with a fresh green salad and a glass of red wine for a perfect culinary experience.
Nutritional values (per serving)
- Calories: approximately 600 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use whole wheat pasta? Yes, for a healthier option, you can choose whole wheat pasta.
- How can I improve the texture of the béchamel sauce? Make sure to stir constantly and do not add the milk too quickly.
- Is this recipe suitable for freezing? Yes, you can freeze the lasagna before baking it. When you are ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator and bake according to the instructions.
Savor every bite of this lasagna with Bolognese ragù and béchamel sauce, and don't forget to share this recipe with your loved ones! Enjoy!
Ingredients: 500 g lasagna pasta, 150 g parmesan, 4 boiled eggs, 100 g salami, 200 g mozzarella, 1 kg béchamel sauce, 100 g butter, 100 g white flour, 1 l milk, nutmeg, salt, 1 kg Bolognese ragù, 1 small onion, 500 g minced meat, 1/2 glass of wine, 1/2 glass of beef broth (water), 350 g tomato paste, olive oil, salt, basil
