Easy Lasagna
Easy Lasagna Recipe - Authentic Italian Dish
Introduction
Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many for its layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese. This easy lasagna recipe is a simplified version that is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal without all the fuss.
History
Lasagna has been a popular dish in Italy for centuries, with its origins dating back to the Middle Ages. The dish is believed to have been created in Naples, where it was made with layers of pasta, cheese, and meat sauce. Over the years, lasagna has evolved to include a variety of ingredients and variations, but the basic concept of layering pasta and sauce remains the same.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Prepare a flour and butter rue by combining flour and butter in a saucepan. Add milk to create a basic bechamel sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil and then remove from heat.
- In a separate pan, fry onions in 0.5 cup of olive oil. Once the onions are translucent, add tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes.
- Allow the onion and tomato mixture to cool for 5 minutes, then combine it with the bechamel sauce.
- Layer noodles in a baking dish, and top with 0.5 cup of sauce and 0.5 cup of cheese.
- Repeat the layering process to make 2 pans. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, covering with foil for the first 18 minutes.
- Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Please note that this recipe is not exact and can be varied. It is assumed that you know how to make a rue and bechamel sauce. If not, please refer to a recipe for guidance. Ensure that the no-bake noodles are mostly covered with sauce to ensure proper cooking. Using too little sauce may result in crunchy noodles. For cheese, a blend of pizza cheese and Romano is recommended. Please note that ricotta cheese is not used in this recipe.
Variations
- Add crushed meatballs to the bottom layer.
- Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce for a meaty lasagna.
- Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Parmesan, for a different flavor.
- Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce for a healthier twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to cover the no-bake noodles with enough sauce to ensure they cook properly.
- Use a blend of pizza cheese and Romano for a delicious cheesy topping.
- Allow the lasagna to sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this easy lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Layer the lasagna noodles, sauce, and cheese in a baking dish to create the classic lasagna layers.
- Cover the lasagna with foil while baking to prevent the cheese from burning.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
- Use vegetable broth instead of milk for a dairy-free version of the bechamel sauce.
Make Ahead Tips
This easy lasagna can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the dish with foil and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Presentation Ideas
Serve this easy lasagna in individual ramekins for a fun and elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair this easy lasagna with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, for a classic Italian meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of this easy lasagna recipe contains approximately 350 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of this easy lasagna recipe contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of this easy lasagna recipe contains approximately 15 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of this easy lasagna recipe contains approximately 12 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
This easy lasagna recipe is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.
Alergens
This easy lasagna recipe contains dairy and wheat.
Summary
This easy lasagna recipe is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish.
Summary
This easy lasagna recipe is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion. With its layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping my neighbor Mrs. Jenkins with her garden. As a gesture of gratitude, she invited me over for dinner. Little did I know that this dinner would change my life forever.
As I walked into Mrs. Jenkins' cozy kitchen, the aroma of herbs and spices filled the air. She had a big smile on her face as she handed me a plate of steaming hot lasagna. It looked absolutely delicious, with layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese.
I took a bite and was instantly hooked. The flavors danced on my tongue, and I knew I had to learn how to make this dish myself. Mrs. Jenkins saw the look of awe on my face and chuckled.
"Would you like the recipe, dear?" she asked. My eyes lit up with excitement as I eagerly nodded my head. Mrs. Jenkins sat me down at her kitchen table and began to dictate the ingredients and instructions.
"First, you'll need some ground beef, onion, garlic, and tomato sauce. Then, you layer cooked lasagna noodles with the meat sauce and ricotta cheese. Top it off with mozzarella and parmesan, and bake until bubbly and golden brown," she explained.
I listened intently, absorbing every word like a sponge. Mrs. Jenkins' lasagna was not only delicious but also easy to make. I couldn't wait to try it out in my own kitchen.
The next day, I gathered all the ingredients and set to work. As I chopped onions and browned the ground beef, memories of Mrs. Jenkins' kind smile and warm kitchen flooded my mind. I felt a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for her generosity in sharing this recipe with me.
The lasagna baked in the oven, filling my house with the same mouthwatering aroma that had captivated me at Mrs. Jenkins' home. When it was finally done, I took a bite and closed my eyes in pure bliss. It was perfect.
From that day on, Easy Lasagna became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on lazy Sunday afternoons. Each time I cooked it, I thought of Mrs. Jenkins and the bond we had formed over a simple plate of pasta.
Years passed, and I continued to make Easy Lasagna, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste. I added a dash of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, and sometimes I swapped out the ground beef for Italian sausage. Each variation brought me closer to perfection.
Eventually, I became known among my friends and family as the "Lasagna Queen." They would eagerly await invitations to dinner, knowing that a piping hot pan of my famous lasagna would be on the menu.
But no matter how many accolades I received for my cooking, I never forgot where it all began. Mrs. Jenkins had passed away many years ago, but her legacy lived on in every bite of Easy Lasagna that I served.
As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that this recipe has taken me on, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple act of kindness that started it all. Mrs. Jenkins may have only shared a recipe with me, but in doing so, she gave me so much more - a love for cooking, a connection to my past, and a way to create lasting memories with those I care about.
So, the next time you dig into a slice of Easy Lasagna, remember that behind every delicious bite is a story waiting to be told. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be the one passing on this cherished recipe to someone special in your life.
Categories
| 7 Ingredient Challenge | Cheese Recipes | Italian Recipes | Lasagne Recipes | Quick And Easy Main Dishes | Tomato Recipes |