Classic Lasagna – Italian Delight at Home

Lasagna is one of the most well-known and beloved dishes of Italian cuisine. The origins of this hearty casserole trace back to ancient Rome, where layers of dough and meat sauce were already being served. However, the modern lasagna as we know it today originates from the Emilia-Romagna region, particularly Bologna. This is where the classic Lasagna alla Bolognese developed, renowned for its rich meat sauce and creamy béchamel. Lasagna symbolizes Italian hospitality and is traditionally served on special occasions and in good company.

Ingredients:

For the Bolognese Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• 2 carrots (finely diced)
• 2 celery stalks (finely diced)
• 500 g ground beef
• 100 ml red wine (optional)
• 800 g chopped tomatoes (canned)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp basil (dried or freshly chopped)

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 60 g butter
• 60 g flour
• 1 liter milk
• Nutmeg (to taste)
• Salt and pepper

Additionally:

• 250 g lasagna sheets (no pre-cooking required)
• 150 g Parmesan (freshly grated)
• 200 g mozzarella (grated)

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Bolognese Sauce:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot. Sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef and fry until browned and crumbly.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and roast for 2 minutes.
4. Deglaze with red wine and let it reduce slightly (optional).
5. Add the chopped tomatoes, bay leaves, sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix well and let the sauce simmer over low heat for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until golden.
2. Gradually add the milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
3. Simmer the sauce until it thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

3. Layer the Lasagna:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (top/bottom heat).
2. Grease a baking dish. Spread a layer of Bolognese sauce on the bottom.
3. Place a layer of lasagna sheets on top, then add some béchamel sauce and Parmesan.
4. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used up. The final layer should consist of béchamel sauce and mozzarella.

4. Bake:

1. Place the lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown.
2. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving to make it easier to cut.

Tip: Lasagna often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld beautifully. It is best served with a fresh green salad and some ciabatta.