Lasagna with eggplant and beef

Eggplant and Beef Lasagna - a recipe that blends tradition with a touch of innovation, bringing a delicious dish to your table, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. This lasagna is an excellent choice for those who appreciate a combination of flavors and textures, as the eggplant adds a hint of elegance while the beef provides a rich and satisfying taste.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients needed

For the lasagna:
- 1 box of lasagna sheets
- 500 grams of ground beef
- 1 large eggplant
- 150 grams of grated hard cheese
- Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed

For the béchamel sauce:
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 120 ml of milk
- 1 egg
- A splash of lemon juice

Ingredient details

Beef is an excellent source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, essential for a balanced diet. Eggplants, on the other hand, are rich in antioxidants and fiber, contributing to healthy digestion. Make sure to choose fresh eggplants with a uniform color and no blemishes for the best results. The cheese, with its creamy texture, will add a layer of flavor to this dish, while the butter and flour are essential for creating a smooth béchamel sauce.

Step by step - Preparing the lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the meat
In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and sauté for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can also add the crushed garlic at this point to enhance the flavors. Once the meat is well cooked, add the tomato paste, basil, pepper, and salt. Mix well and let it simmer on low heat for a few minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the eggplant
Meanwhile, slice the eggplant into thin slices, about 1 cm thick. Heat a skillet with a little olive oil and fry the eggplant slices on each side for about 3-4 minutes until they turn golden and soft. Place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Step 3: Boil the lasagna sheets
In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the lasagna sheets and let them boil for 2 minutes. This step will help soften them, making them easier to handle. After boiling, drain them and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process.

Step 4: Prepare the béchamel sauce
In a small skillet, heat a teaspoon of oil and add the butter. Once it has melted, add the flour and mix well with a wooden spoon until it forms a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce for 4 minutes, stirring constantly, then remove the skillet from the heat and add the egg yolk and lemon juice. Mix well to combine the ingredients.

Step 5: Assemble the lasagna
Preheat the oven to 200°C. In a baking dish, arrange a layer of lasagna sheets, followed by a layer of meat, a layer of eggplant, and a layer of béchamel sauce. Sprinkle a layer of grated cheese on top. Repeat the process, continuing with another layer of sheets, meat, eggplant, and sauce, finishing with a generous layer of béchamel and grated cheese.

Step 6: Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. In the last 10 minutes, remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown nicely.

Serving and suggestions
Eggplant and beef lasagna is served hot, cut into generous portions. You can garnish it with a few fresh basil or parsley leaves for an attractive look. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a tomato and onion salad, and for a complete culinary experience, I recommend pairing it with a glass of dry red wine, which will highlight the rich flavors of the meat and sauce.

Useful tips

- If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground beef with mushrooms or a mix of vegetables.
- You can also add other cheeses like mozzarella or feta for a more intense flavor.
- The lasagna can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, and the next day it can be baked directly, making it ideal for prep ahead of time.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use lasagna sheets without boiling them?
Yes, there are lasagna sheets that do not require boiling, but it's best to follow the instructions on the package.

2. How can I avoid bitter eggplants?
Season the eggplants with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes before frying. This trick will help draw out excess moisture and bitterness.

3. What are the nutritional benefits of this lasagna?
This recipe offers an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Eggplants provide fiber, while the béchamel sauce adds calcium from the milk.

Conclusion
Eggplant and beef lasagna is not just a delicious dish but also a wonderful way to bring family and friends together around the table. With a combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients, this recipe promises to become a favorite in every household. I encourage you to try it and enjoy every bite!