Lasagna with Granarolo mozzarella

Lasagna with Granarolo Mozzarella: An Italian Delight in Your Home

Lasagna is an iconic dish of Italian cuisine, loved by millions around the world. This simple yet delicious recipe, featuring Granarolo mozzarella, will bring the authentic taste of Italy directly to your kitchen. With each layer of pasta, sauce, and cheese, you will enjoy a culinary experience that blends tradition with innovation. Whether you serve it on a family evening or at a gathering with friends, lasagna will surely be the star of the meal.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of fresh basil, chopped
- 150 g tomato paste
- 500 g Granarolo mozzarella
- 12 lasagna sheets (no need to pre-boil)
- 80 g grated Parmesan
- Butter (for greasing the dish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Béchamel sauce (about 400 ml)

Making lasagna is an art, and every step matters. Let's get started!

Step 1: Preheating the oven
The first thing you need to do is preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. This will ensure even baking of the lasagna, giving it that golden and appetizing crust.

Step 2: Preparing the tomato sauce
Finely chop the 2 cloves of garlic and mix them in a bowl with the 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil. Add the tomato paste, salt, and pepper, mixing well. This combination provides a flavorful tomato sauce that will give your lasagna a unique taste.

Step 3: The cheese layer
Slice the Granarolo mozzarella into thin pieces. Granarolo mozzarella is renowned for its creamy texture and rich flavor, making it perfect for lasagna. Make sure not to crumble it too much while slicing, so you can get uniform pieces.

Step 4: Assembling the lasagna
Grease a rectangular baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. Place a first layer of lasagna sheets directly on the bottom of the dish, without needing to pre-boil them. This is a simple technique that will save you time.

On top of the lasagna sheets, add a layer of the prepared tomato sauce, followed by a layer of mozzarella. Repeat this process, alternating between layers of lasagna, tomato sauce, and mozzarella. Finish with a final layer of lasagna.

Step 5: Béchamel sauce
To give the lasagna a creamy touch, pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the last layer of lasagna. This will add a rich flavor and a velvety texture. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan on top, which will melt and form a delicious crust.

Step 6: Baking
Place the dish in the preheated oven and let the lasagna bake for 35 minutes. During this time, the flavors will meld, and the cheese will melt perfectly. You will know it's ready when the surface turns golden and bubbles around the edges.

Step 7: Serving
Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting. This step is essential as the lasagna will firm up slightly, making it easier to portion. You can serve it warm, but it is just as delicious cold, especially the next day when the flavors have intensified.

Serving suggestions:
You can accompany the lasagna with a fresh green salad, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or with a glass of dry red wine. A slice of crusty bread is also perfect to complement this meal.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Of course! If you can't find Granarolo mozzarella, you can use regular mozzarella or even ricotta for a different texture.

2. Can I make lasagna in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the lasagna a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

3. How can I vary the recipe?
For a vegetarian option, add vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or spinach between the layers. You can also add ground meat, such as beef or chicken, for a heartier flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
Lasagna is an excellent source of protein, thanks to the cheese, and if you add meat, this will be amplified. Additionally, the tomato sauce is rich in lycopene, a beneficial antioxidant for health. Mozzarella contains calcium and vitamin B12, essential for bone and nervous system health.

Calories:
A serving of lasagna (approximately 250 g) contains about 450-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used. You can adjust the recipe by using lighter ingredients to reduce calories without sacrificing taste.

With each layer of lasagna, not only do you create a tasty dish, but also a memorable culinary experience. Whether you prepare it for yourself or for loved ones, this Granarolo mozzarella lasagna recipe will bring you joy and satisfaction. Enjoy!