Classic Lasagna Recipe #recipe #cooking #shorts

Classic Lasagna Recipe #recipe #cooking #shorts

Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that layers pasta with rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese. This recipe serves 6 to 8 people.

Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
1 pound (450g) ground beef
1 pound (450g) ground pork (optional; you can use all beef if preferred)
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup red wine (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Béchamel Sauce:
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups milk
A pinch of ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
12 lasagna noodles
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add Garlic and Meat: Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the ground beef and pork, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
Incorporate Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, red wine (if using), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
Make a Roux: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes.
Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
Thicken Sauce: Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
Season: Add a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.

3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
Boil Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and Set Aside: Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a lightly oiled surface to prevent sticking.

4. Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Layer Ingredients: In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of noodles, followed by meat sauce, béchamel sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of béchamel and cheeses on top.

5. Bake:
Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Rest: Allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!

Serve your classic lasagna with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal. Buon appetito!