Lasagna à la Dominicana

Lasagna à la Dominicana Recipe | Dominican Republic Cuisine

Region / culture: Dominican Republic | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Lasagna à la Dominicana is a delicious and hearty dish that combines layers of pasta, savory meat filling, and a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is a popular comfort food in the Dominican Republic and is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

History

Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that has been adapted and transformed in various countries around the world. In the Dominican Republic, lasagna has become a staple in many households, with each family adding their own unique twist to the classic recipe. Lasagna à la Dominicana typically features a flavorful meat filling, a homemade tomato sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese.

Ingredients

9 strips of lasagna (preferably fresh)
1 lb (454 g) of shredded mozzarella

Beef filling

2 lb (907 g) of ground meat
2 tbsp of tomato paste
1 small red onion, diced into small cubes
2 tbsp of olive oil
black pepper
oregano
salt

Sauce

10 very ripe tomatoes
0.25 tsp of ground black pepper
2 tbsp of olive oil
1 pinch of oregano
0.5 tbsp of mashed garlic
salt

How to prepare

Place the ground beef in a bowl and mix in the onion, a pinch of oregano, a pinch of pepper, and a teaspoon of salt.
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a shallow pan.
Add the ground beef and stir to ensure even cooking.
Add two tablespoons of water and the tomato paste.
Allow it to simmer over medium heat.
Adjust the amount of water as needed.
Once the meat is cooked, let all the liquid evaporate while adjusting the salt to taste.
Turn off the heat and set it aside.
Boil water in a pot.
Briefly submerge the tomatoes in the boiling water to loosen the skin.
Remove the skin, cut the tomatoes into small pieces, and discard the seeds.
Sprinkle oregano and salt on the tomatoes.
Heat up some oil and add the tomatoes and garlic.
Simmer over very low heat until it reduces to approximately 2.5 cups of tomato sauce.
Add a few tablespoons of water if necessary.
Adjust the salt to taste.
Once the sauce is ready, turn off the heat and set it aside.
Boil the pasta in salted water until it is slightly firmer than al dente.
Spread 0.25 of the sauce on the bottom of a glass pan.
Layer 0.33 of the cooked pasta on top.
Spread half of the cooked meat on top and sprinkle with 0.33 of the cheese.
Layer another third of the pasta, 0.33 of the sauce, and another third of the cheese.
Repeat the layers.
Top with cheese.
Bake at low heat for 20 minutes.
Allow it to stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Variations

Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the dish.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use a mix of different cheeses such as Parmesan, ricotta, or cheddar for a more complex flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the ground meat thoroughly before assembling the lasagna to ensure that it is fully cooked through.

- Use fresh lasagna noodles for the best texture and flavor.

- Allow the lasagna to rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs to the meat filling or sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lasagna à la Dominicana with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the lasagna noodles until they are slightly firmer than al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy when baked.

- Simmer the tomato sauce over low heat to allow the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use store-bought tomato sauce instead of making your own for a quicker version of the recipe.

- Substitute shredded mozzarella with any other type of cheese that melts well, such as provolone or cheddar.

Make Ahead Tips

Lasagna à la Dominicana can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the baked lasagna with fresh basil leaves or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Lasagna à la Dominicana with a glass of red wine such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lasagna à la Dominicana contains approximately 450 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lasagna à la Dominicana contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lasagna à la Dominicana contains approximately 25 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Lasagna à la Dominicana contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Lasagna à la Dominicana is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and wheat (pasta), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Lasagna à la Dominicana is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish.

Summary

Lasagna à la Dominicana is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With layers of pasta, savory meat filling, and a rich tomato sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a sunny afternoon in the bustling streets of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. I was wandering through the vibrant market, taking in the sights and smells of the fresh produce and spices that filled the air.

As I browsed the stalls, my eyes were drawn to a small, elderly woman with a twinkle in her eye. She was selling an array of homemade pastries and savory dishes, each one more tempting than the last. I couldn't resist stopping at her stall to sample some of her delicious offerings.

I tried a few different dishes, each one more delicious than the last. But it was the lasagna that truly captured my heart. The layers of pasta, cheese, and rich tomato sauce were unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I immediately knew that I needed to learn how to make it for myself.

I struck up a conversation with the woman, whose name was Doña Maria, and begged her to share her recipe with me. She laughed and told me that the recipe had been passed down through her family for generations, and she was happy to pass it on to me.

Doña Maria invited me to her home the next day to learn how to make the lasagna. As soon as I walked through the door, I was enveloped in the comforting smells of garlic, onions, and herbs wafting from the kitchen. I knew that this was going to be a special experience.

Doña Maria showed me how to make the tomato sauce from scratch, simmering fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for hours until it was thick and rich. She taught me how to cook the pasta just right, so it was al dente and ready to soak up all the flavors of the sauce.

Then came the cheese. Oh, the cheese! Doña Maria introduced me to a local cheese called queso de hoja, which was similar to ricotta but had a tangy flavor that added a unique twist to the dish. She showed me how to layer the pasta, sauce, and cheese in a baking dish, creating a tower of deliciousness that would soon be baked to perfection.

As the lasagna baked in the oven, filling the house with its mouthwatering aroma, Doña Maria regaled me with stories of her family and the history of the recipe. She told me that her great-grandmother had learned how to make lasagna from an Italian friend who had settled in the Dominican Republic many years ago.

The lasagna was finally ready, and we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The first bite was pure bliss – the creamy cheese, the savory sauce, the perfectly cooked pasta – it was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

I left Doña Maria's home that day with a full belly and a heart overflowing with gratitude. Not only had I learned how to make an incredible lasagna, but I had also gained a friend in Doña Maria, a woman whose passion for cooking and sharing her recipes had touched my soul.

Since that day, I have made Doña Maria's lasagna countless times for my family and friends. Each time I pull the dish out of the oven and see the golden cheese bubbling on top, I am transported back to that sunny afternoon in Santo Domingo, and I am grateful for the gift of this delicious recipe that has brought so much joy into my life.