Lasagna

Lasagna with Bechamel Sauce and Meat Sauce

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Lasagna is a classic dish loved by many, combining delicious layers of pasta, rich sauces, and fresh ingredients, all merging into a symphony of flavors. Throughout its history, the dish has evolved and adapted, but its essence remains one of comfort and joy. Whether it’s a family dinner or a festive meal, lasagna is the perfect choice to impress anyone.

Ingredients for Lasagna:

*For the Bechamel sauce:*
- 30 g butter
- 4 heaping tablespoons of flour
- Milk, as needed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar

*For the meat sauce:*
- 500 g minced beef and pork
- 2 carrots
- 1/2 celery root
- 3 medium onions
- 1/2 bell pepper
- 1/2 sweet pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 jar of tomato paste
- Oil for sautéing

*For assembly:*
- 1 box of lasagna sheets
- Grated cheese or parmesan for topping

Preparation:

1. Preparing the Bechamel sauce:
Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted, gradually add the flour while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. It’s important to use a silicone spatula or whisk to achieve a smooth consistency. After the flour is incorporated and the mixture turns golden, begin to gradually add the milk, continuing to stir. Add salt and sugar, which will balance the flavors and give a pleasant taste to the sauce. Let the sauce simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens. This step is crucial as a well-made Bechamel sauce will give a creamy texture to the lasagna.

2. Preparing the meat sauce:
In a separate saucepan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Then, add the grated carrots, diced celery, bell pepper, and sweet pepper, stirring gently to combine the flavors. After a few minutes, add the minced meat. Let the meat brown for about 5 minutes. Then, add the tomato paste, salt, pepper, and thyme, and mix well. Add about 100 g of water and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 50 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop the flavors.

3. Preparing the lasagna sheets:
Boil the lasagna sheets in a large pot of salted water with a dash of oil to prevent sticking. Boil them according to the package instructions, usually between 8-10 minutes. Once boiled, drain them and place them on a clean towel to dry a bit.

4. Assembling the lasagna:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking dish with butter and sprinkle a little semolina to prevent sticking. Start assembling the lasagna as follows: place a layer of lasagna sheets, then a layer of Bechamel sauce and a layer of meat sauce. Continue alternating layers, ensuring that the last layer consists of lasagna sheets. On top, add Bechamel sauce and generously sprinkle grated cheese or parmesan.

5. Baking:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place the lasagna in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and let it bake for another 30 minutes until the surface is golden and crispy.

6. Serving:
Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before cutting. This will allow the layers to settle and make the slices easier to serve. You can serve it with a fresh salad and a dry red wine that will perfectly complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Practical tips:
- If you want to enrich the meat sauce, you can add mushrooms or grated zucchini.
- Experiment with different cheeses for a varied taste. Mozzarella or goat cheese can add an interesting touch.
- Make sure to use high-quality pasta, as this will significantly affect the final taste.

Nutritional benefits:
Lasagna is an excellent source of protein due to the meat and cheese, while the vegetables in the meat sauce provide vitamins and minerals. It is a hearty meal that can provide energy throughout the day.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use no-boil lasagna sheets? Yes, if you use no-boil lasagna sheets, make sure your sauces are moist enough to cook them during baking.
- How long can lasagna be stored in the fridge? It can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days, and freezing is an excellent option for enjoying it later.
- How can I make vegetarian lasagna? Replace the meat with cooked vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, or mushrooms, and use a rich tomato sauce.

Lasagna with Bechamel sauce and meat sauce is a recipe that will not only delight the taste buds but also bring a touch of warmth to any meal. Preparing it can be a wonderful way to spend time with family or friends, and each bite will offer an explosion of flavors that will make you keep coming back to this recipe. Enjoy your meal!