Lasagna

Chicken and Vegetable Lasagna: A Family Delicacy

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6

Who can resist a steaming platter of freshly baked lasagna? This classic dish, with layers of pasta, juicy meat, and delicious sauces, is always a winning choice, especially when your little ones are asking you to prepare this delicacy for them. Plus, by making the lasagna sheets from scratch, you ensure that every serving is filled with love and care.

The history of lasagna is fascinating, with deep roots in traditional cuisine, where each generation has contributed its own version. Whether it’s meat, vegetables, or cheeses, lasagna remains a symbol of comfort and family gatherings.

Ingredients:

For the lasagna sheets:
- 250 g of flour
- 3 tablespoons of water
- 5 g of salt
- 2 eggs

For the filling:
- 500 g of chicken breast, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, grated or diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 500 g of tomatoes in sauce
- Chicken broth, enough to cover the filling
- Salt, pepper, and basil, to taste

For the béchamel sauce:
- 50 g of butter
- 50 g of flour
- 500 ml of milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste

For the topping:
- 300 g of grated cheese and mozzarella

Preparation:

1. Preparing the lasagna sheets: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with water and salt, then gradually add the flour. Knead the dough until it becomes non-sticky and smooth, adjusting with flour if necessary. Once ready, cover the dough and let it rest in the refrigerator for an hour. This step is essential for achieving elastic and easy-to-roll lasagna sheets.

2. Rolling out the sheets: After the dough has rested in the refrigerator, divide it into four equal parts. Use a rolling pin or a pasta machine to roll out thin sheets. Sprinkle flour on the surface and on the sheets to prevent sticking. Cut the sheets into strips, depending on the desired size, and let them dry on a rack or on skewers.

3. Preparing the filling: In a large skillet, add the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent. Add the diced chicken breast and fry until golden. Incorporate the red bell pepper, carrots, and seasonings (salt, pepper, and basil). After a few minutes, add the tomatoes in sauce and enough chicken broth to cover the ingredients. Let it simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, adding broth if the sauce becomes too thick.

4. Preparing the béchamel sauce: In a pot, melt the butter, then add the flour and mix vigorously for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.

5. Assembling the lasagna: In a deep baking dish, add 2-3 ladles of tomato sauce to the bottom of the dish. Cover with a layer of lasagna sheets, followed by a layer of the meat and vegetable filling. Continue with another layer of sheets, then repeat the process until all ingredients are used, ensuring that the last layer is of sheets. Cover with the béchamel sauce and generously sprinkle the grated cheese and mozzarella on top.

6. Baking the lasagna: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the lasagna dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy. Allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes before slicing, to let the layers set.

7. Serving: You can serve the lasagna alongside a fresh arugula or spinach salad, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. A bottle of white wine would also be a perfect accompaniment.

Nutritional benefits: This lasagna recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken breast, providing an essential supply of amino acids. The vegetables add vitamins and minerals, while the béchamel sauce brings a creamy and delicious touch. The flour used for the lasagna sheets provides carbohydrates, essential for energy.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of meat? Absolutely! You can replace the chicken breast with beef or pork, or even opt for a vegetarian version with eggplants, zucchini, and mushrooms.

- How can I make the béchamel sauce easier? A quick option is to use ready-made cheese sauce, but nothing compares to homemade béchamel sauce.

- Can I prepare the lasagna in advance? Certainly! You can assemble it a day ahead, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

I hope this chicken and vegetable lasagna recipe brings joy to your kitchen, and that every serving will be enjoyed by the whole family. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Dough: 250g of flour, 3 tablespoons of water, 5g of salt, 2 eggs. Filling: 500g of chicken breast, 1 red bell pepper, 2 carrots, 1 onion, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 500g of tomatoes in juice, chicken broth, salt, pepper, basil, béchamel sauce, 300g of grated cheese and mozzarella.

 Tags:  onion carrot flour water salt chicken breast cheese mozzarella