Lasagna - my recipe

Lasagna: the perfect recipe for a comforting dinner

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Who doesn't love a serving of lasagna? This classic dish, full of flavors and textures, is ideal for gathering the family around the table. Whether served at a family dinner or a party with friends, lasagna is a guaranteed favorite. In this recipe, you'll discover simple but effective techniques to create a delicious lasagna with rich meat sauce and a smooth besciamella cream. Let's get started!

Ingredients needed

For the meat sauce (ragù):
- 500 g minced beef
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, whole
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 cloves
- 500 ml vegetable soup
- 1 glass white wine
- 500 g tomato juice (passata de pomodoro)
- Olive oil for cooking

For the besciamella cream
- 50 g butter
- 50 g flour
- 500 ml sweet milk
- Ground nutmeg (1-2 teaspoons to taste)

Other ingredients:
- 1 package lasagna sheets (preferably fresh)
- 4-5 slices of smoked ham (prosciutto or bacon)
- 1 mozzarella, sliced
- grated Parmesan, to sprinkle on top
- 20 g butter, to grease the tray

Step by step: Lasagne preparation

1. Preparing the besciamella cream
Start by making besciamella crema, a creamy sauce that will add depth to your lasagna. In a stainless saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Meanwhile, mix the milk and flour in a bowl using a mixer or blender until smooth.

When the butter is completely melted, add the milk and flour mixture. Stir constantly over low heat until the sauce begins to thicken. Continue stirring for 2-3 minutes, then set aside. Add a dusting of ground nutmeg for extra flavor.

2. Making the ragù sauce
In a large saucepan, add a little olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion with the whole clove of garlic until golden. Once the onion has colored, add the minced meat and cook until the meat loses its juices.

Now add the white wine and let it evaporate completely. Add the bay leaves, cloves, salt and pepper, then gradually add the tomato juice and vegetable stock. Cover the saucepan and simmer the sauce for about 2 hours. Check the consistency of the sauce from time to time, adding more vegetable stock if necessary.

3. Assembling the lasagne
Now that you've prepared both the ragu sauce and the besciamella cream, it's time to assemble the lasagna. Take a baking tray and grease it with a little butter. Start by adding a thin layer of besciamella, followed by a layer of lasagna sheets. Continue with a layer of ragù sauce, then another layer of besciamella.

Add slices of smoked ham, grated Parmesan and slices of mozzarella. Repeat this process until the ingredients are finished, making sure the last layer is made up of ragù sauce, mozzarella slices and grated Parmesan. Add a few cubes of butter on top for extra flavor.

4. Baking the lasagne
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the lasagna pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, until the surface is golden and bubbling. At the end, leave the pasta to rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting. This step is essential as it allows the sauce to stabilize and not run when portioning.

Serving Suggestions
Lasagna is excellent served with a fresh green salad, drizzled with lemon dressing. You can also accompany this delicacy with a glass of white or red wine, which will bring out the rich flavors of the dish.

Tips and Tricks
- If you want a vegetarian option, you can replace the beef with mushrooms or vegetables of your choice (e.g. zucchini, aubergines and peppers).
- For a more intense taste, you can add spices such as oregano, basil or even chili.
- Make sure you use fresh lasagna sheets, as they don't need to be pre-cooked and will soak up the sauces perfectly.

Nutritional Benefits
Lasagna is an excellent source of protein thanks to the meat and cheeses, and the tomato sauce provides a good dose of antioxidants. However, it is important to eat it in moderation, given its calorie content. An average portion of lasagne can have around 400-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free lasagna sheets?
Yes, there are gluten-free lasagne sheets available in shops, ideal for those with intolerances.

How long can lasagna be kept?
Lasagna can be refrigerated for 3-4 days in airtight casseroles. It can also be frozen for later use.

What else can I add to the ragù sauce?
You can experiment with different vegetables, such as carrots or celery, to add a touch of sweetness and texture to the sauce.

Conclusion
Now that you've got all the information you need, it's time to get your hands on the ingredients and prepare this delicious lasagna! Every bite will be an explosion of flavors, and your time in the kitchen will definitely pay off. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: - 1 package of lasagna sheets (preferably fresh) - for the meat sauce: - 500g minced beef - 2 large onions - 1 garlic clove - 2 bay leaves - salt, pepper, cloves - 2 - vegetable broth 500 ml - 1 glass of white wine - 500g tomato juice (passata di pomodoro) - for the béchamel sauce: - 50g butter - 50g flour - 500ml sweet milk - ground nutmeg 1-2 teaspoons - 4-5 slices of smoked ham, prosciutto or bacon - 1 mozzarella - grated parmesan - 20g butter for greasing the dish