A traditional Italian lasagna, layering homemade pasta with rich sauces and cheeses.
Did you know?
Lasagna originated during the Middle Ages and is considered one of the oldest types of pasta.
Delving into the savory layers of a Classic Lasagna al Forno is like reading through the pages of Italian culinary history. Originating from the bustling streets of Naples, lasagna has become a worldwide symbol of Italian comfort food. Let's embark on a delightful tale of pasta baked to perfection! Imagine the harmony of layers, each playing its own melody; the robust tomato sauce sings with hints of basil, the creamy béchamel whispers tales of French influence and the melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese offer a finale as opulent as the ballrooms of Renaissance Italy.
As you prepare this dish, picture the generations of home cooks and chefs who've added their personal touches to lasagna. Each layer you add is like a brushstroke on a canvas, painting your own version of this historical masterpiece. Whether you're hosting a grand dinner or simply craving a slice of tradition, the Classic Lasagna al Forno brings the essence of Italian dining right to your table.
Ingredients
Lasagna is an artful composition of select, fresh ingredients. Each one contributes to the authenticity and rich flavor of the dish. Here's what you'll need to create your own lasagna masterpiece:
The soul of lasagna lies in the perfect balance of pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese.
- 500g of lasagna noodles
- 750ml of tomato passata
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 500g of ground beef
- 150ml of red wine
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 500ml of whole milk
- 50g of unsalted butter
- 50g of all-purpose flour
- A pinch of nutmeg
- 200g of mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 100g of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
Steps
The making of lasagna is a tender process, layered with love and attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure that your lasagna is nothing short of spectacular:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- For the tomato sauce, heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onion and garlic until translucent, add ground beef, and cook until browned.
- Deglaze the pan with red wine, add tomato passata, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, then let simmer for 30 minutes.
- For the béchamel, melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour and cook for a minute. Gradually pour in the milk, continue whisking until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce, add lasagna noodles, spoon over béchamel, add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Add some extra love
For an even more flavorful lasagna, let the tomato sauce cook low and slow for a couple of hours - the longer, the better!
Recipe Remix:
Your Twist, Your Taste
Whether you would like to swap out an ingredient, make it vegan, or just mix things up, let's get creative and remix this recipe!
Your kitchen, your rules. Let's play.
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