Transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy with a comforting and rich dish: “Lasagne Bolognese.” This classic Italian masterpiece layers tender sheets of pasta with a luscious Bolognese sauce, creamy béchamel, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The result is a harmonious symphony of flavors that melts in your mouth and warms your soul. Whether you’re hosting a special gathering, celebrating a family dinner, or simply craving a taste of Italy, this recipe will guide you in creating the perfect Lasagne Bolognese.
Ingredients:
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste
For the Lasagne:
- 9 lasagne sheets, cooked al dente
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions :
For the Bolognese Sauce:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until they become soft and translucent.
2. Brown the Meat:
- Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pan. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned and cooked through.
3. Add Tomatoes and Wine:
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and red wine (if using). Simmer the mixture over low heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. If using wine, make sure most of the alcohol evaporates.
4. Incorporate Milk and Season:
- Stir in the whole milk and season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
For the Béchamel Sauce:
1. Melt Butter:
- In a separate saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Add Flour:
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the melted butter and stir continuously to create a smooth roux. Cook for a few minutes, but do not let it brown.
3. Pour in Milk:
- Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the béchamel sauce thickens. Season it with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to taste.
For Assembling the Lasagne:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer the Lasagne:
- In a baking dish, start by spreading a small amount of the Bolognese sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of lasagne sheets on top. Follow with a layer of Bolognese sauce, béchamel sauce, and grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat the process, layering the sheets and sauces until you finish with a layer of béchamel sauce and Parmesan cheese on top.
3. Bake:
- Place the lasagne in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until it’s golden and bubbling.
4. Garnish and Serve:
- Once out of the oven, let the Lasagne Bolognese rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Slice and serve the portions, savoring the authentic taste of Italy.
Lasagne Bolognese is a traditional Italian dish that combines tender pasta sheets, luscious Bolognese sauce, creamy béchamel sauce, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This dish is a rich and comforting symphony of flavors that brings the essence of Italy to your plate.
Whether you’re throwing a party, celebrating a family dinner, or simply craving a taste of Italy, Lasagne Bolognese is the ideal dish. Share this authentic Italian experience with family and friends, and savor the decadent flavors that have made it a timeless favorite in the world of Italian cuisine.