## Lasagna: A Culinary Journey Through Italy
Lasagna, a culinary masterpiece originating from the vibrant streets of Italy, is a delectable dish that has captivated taste buds for centuries. With its origins tracing back to the Middle Ages, this dish has undergone a fascinating evolution, weaving together diverse culinary influences and regional variations. From the classic lasagna al forno, a symphony of rich flavors and textures, to the vibrant lasagna verde, adorned with emerald-hued spinach sheets, each rendition of lasagna tells a unique story.
This article presents an enticing collection of lasagna recipes, each capturing the essence of this beloved Italian dish. Within these pages, you'll find a treasure trove of culinary delights, from the traditional lasagna Bolognese, bursting with hearty meat sauce and creamy béchamel, to the innovative lasagna di mare, a seafood extravaganza that transports you to the shores of Italy. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook seeking culinary adventures, this article will guide you through the art of crafting this iconic dish.
So, prepare to embark on a culinary journey through Italy, where the aroma of melted cheese, the tang of tomato sauce, and the harmonious blend of herbs and spices intertwine to create a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more. Discover the secrets behind the perfect lasagna, unravel the nuances of its regional variations, and indulge in the sheer joy of creating this timeless classic in your own kitchen.
EASY LASAGNA II
My family loves lasagna, but sometimes I lack the time for the long version. This is easy and satisfies everyone. Try it tonight!
Provided by Joanie Heger
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 1h25m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large skillet over medium heat brown the ground beef. Drain the grease. Add spaghetti sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, 2 cups of the mozzarella cheese, eggs, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, salt and ground black pepper.
- To assemble, in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish evenly spread 3/4 cup of the sauce mixture. Cover with 3 uncooked lasagna noodles, 1 3/4 cup of the cheese mixture, and 1/4 cup sauce. Repeat layers once more: top with 3 noodles, remaining sauce, remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Add 1/2 cup water to the edges of the pan. Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake in a preheated 350 degree F(175 degrees C) oven for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 376.9 calories, Carbohydrate 26.4 g, Cholesterol 89.5 mg, Fat 16.7 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 29.4 g, SaturatedFat 8.2 g, Sodium 870.3 mg, Sugar 7.8 g
CLASSIC LASAGNA
While not a 30-minute meal, this lasagna is quicker and more straightforward than most. If you're in a real time crunch, use your favorite jarred red sauce. For greater success with the lasagna noodles, which have a tendency to stick together, boil them in the largest pot possible or work in batches - they need as much water as possible to move freely so they don't clump. This lasagna can be assembled, baked and refrigerated up to five days ahead, or frozen up to a month ahead if wrapped tightly.
Provided by Alison Roman
Categories dinner, weekday, weeknight, casseroles, pastas, main course
Time 2h
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Make the sauce: Heat oil in a large, heavy bottomed pot over medium heat. Add sausage, if using, and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's starting to brown but not yet crisp, about 5 minutes.
- Add onion and garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is totally softened and translucent (without letting it brown), 8 to 10 minutes. Add tomato paste and continue to cook, stirring until the tomato paste has turned a deeper brick red color, tinting the oil and onions a fiery orange color, about 2 minutes.
- Using your hands, crush the whole tomatoes into smaller, bite-size pieces and add them and the crushed tomatoes, stirring to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pot. Fill one of the tomato cans halfway with water and add it to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomato sauce has thickened and flavors have come together, 20 to 30 minutes.
- Make the lasagna: Heat oven to 375 degrees and set a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Set aside 1 cup mozzarella. In a medium bowl, combine remaining mozzarella, ricotta, 1 cup Parmesan and cream; season with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Cook lasagna noodles in the large pot of salted boiling water until just softened (before they are even aldente), about 4 minutes. Drain and separate any noodles that are trying to stick together, slicking them with a bit of olive oil to prevent them from sticking further.
- Spoon a bit of sauce on the bottom of a 3-quart baking dish and top with a layer of noodles, avoiding any heavy overlap.
- Top with about 1 ¼ cups of sauce, and dollop ¼ of the cheese mixture over. Top with another layer of noodles and repeat three more times, ending with the last of the noodles (depending on size of the noodle/shape of the baking dish, you may have a few extra noodles) and the last of the sauce. Top with reserved 1 cup mozzarella and more Parmesan, if you like.
- Cover loosely with aluminum foil and place baking dish on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet (to prevent any overflow from burning on the bottom of your oven).
- Bake until pasta is completely tender and cooked through and sauce is bubbling up around the edges, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove foil and increase temperature to 450 degrees. Continue to bake until lasagna is golden brown on top with frilly, crispy edges and corners, another 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool slightly before eating.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 938, UnsaturatedFat 29 grams, Carbohydrate 61 grams, Fat 58 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 44 grams, SaturatedFat 26 grams, Sodium 1333 milligrams, Sugar 11 grams
WORLD'S BEST LASAGNA
It takes a little work, but it is worth it.
Provided by John Chandler
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 3h15m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- In a Dutch oven, cook sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until well browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Season with sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons parsley. Simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain noodles, and rinse with cold water. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, remaining parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- To assemble, spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with one half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 448.2 calories, Carbohydrate 36.5 g, Cholesterol 81.8 mg, Fat 21.3 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 29.7 g, SaturatedFat 9.9 g, Sodium 1400.4 mg, Sugar 8.6 g
BEST LASAGNA
Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can't go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too. -Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h50m
Yield 12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Cook noodles according to package directions; drain. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook sausage, beef and onion over medium heat 8-10 minutes or until meat is no longer pink, breaking up meat into crumbles. Add garlic; cook 1 minute. Drain., Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, 3 tablespoons parsley, basil, fennel, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes, stirring occasionally., In a small bowl, mix egg, ricotta cheese and remaining parsley and salt., Preheat oven to 375°. Spread 2 cups meat sauce into an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Layer with 3 noodles and a third of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining meat sauce and cheeses (dish will be full)., Bake, covered, 25 minutes. Bake, uncovered, 25 minutes longer or until bubbly. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 519 calories, Fat 27g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 109mg cholesterol, Sodium 1013mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 35g protein.
SEAFOOD LASAGNA II
This super rich, Alfredo based seafood lasagna is a huge hit in our family. It takes a while to prepare, but it is well worth it!
Provided by Sara Van Noy
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 2h
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sautee garlic and mushrooms until tender. Pour in 2 jars Alfredo sauce. Stir in shrimp, scallops and crabmeat. Simmer 5 to 10 minutes, or until heated through. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg and pepper.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer noodles, ricotta mixture, Alfredo mixture and shredded cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ensuring that there is shredded cheese for the top.
- Bake uncovered in preheated oven for 45 minutes. Cover, and bake 15 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 764.3 calories, Carbohydrate 44.4 g, Cholesterol 182.7 mg, Fat 46 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 45.7 g, SaturatedFat 21.7 g, Sodium 1726 mg, Sugar 6.9 g
Tips:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Before starting, ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment ready. Mise en place is essential for smooth and efficient cooking.
- Choose High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the final dish. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- Béchamel Sauce: For a smooth and lump-free béchamel sauce, whisk the milk and flour mixture constantly over medium heat. Add the butter a little at a time, whisking continuously to prevent curdling.
- Layer Wisely: When assembling the lasagna, layer the ingredients evenly and tightly. Start with a layer of sauce, then noodles, cheese, and fillings. Repeat the layers until you reach the desired height.
- Bake Thoroughly: To ensure that the lasagna is cooked through, bake it for the recommended time or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Cover the lasagna with foil during baking to prevent over-browning.
Conclusion:
This collection of lasagna recipes offers a wide range of options to suit different tastes and preferences. From classic lasagna Bolognese to lighter vegetarian variations, each recipe is carefully crafted to deliver a delicious and satisfying meal. With detailed instructions and helpful tips, these recipes make it easy to create a perfect lasagna that will impress family and friends. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, these recipes will guide you through the process of making a mouthwatering lasagna that will leave you craving more.
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