Lasagna Sauce

Lasagna Sauce Recipe - Authentic Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Lasagna sauce is a key component in creating a delicious and flavorful lasagna dish. This rich and savory sauce is made with a combination of sausage, herbs, spices, and tomatoes, creating a hearty and satisfying flavor profile that pairs perfectly with layers of pasta and cheese.

History

The origins of lasagna sauce can be traced back to Italy, where it is a staple in traditional Italian cuisine. The sauce is typically made with a combination of ground meat, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs, creating a flavorful base for lasagna dishes. Over the years, variations of the sauce have been created to suit different tastes and preferences, but the basic components remain the same.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) sausage
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves
4.5 tbsp oregano
1 onion
2.5 tbsp basil
3.5 tbsp parsley
2.5 tbsp garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp cajun seasoning
2 tbsp sugar
1 can (28 oz or 794 g) tomato sauce + 0.5 can water
2 cans (6 oz or 170 g) tomato paste + 2 cans water
1 can (16 oz or 454 g) diced tomatoes
2 cans mushrooms

How to prepare

Chop 3 cloves of garlic. Add the garlic to olive oil and cook until the garlic starts to bubble.
Add the onion and cook over medium-low heat.
Simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes.
While simmering, add the remaining ingredients and mix well.
Stir the mixture every couple of minutes.
Continue cooking for approximately 10 minutes.
Cover the mixture and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

Variations

For a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with mushrooms or lentils.
Add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the sauce to your taste preferences.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the garlic and onions slowly over low heat to bring out their natural sweetness and flavor.

- Stir the sauce frequently while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more or less herbs and spices as desired.

- For a thicker sauce, simmer it uncovered for a longer period of time to allow the liquid to reduce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the lasagna sauce over cooked pasta sheets, layering it with cheese and additional toppings for a classic lasagna dish. Pair it with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a flavorful lasagna sauce is to cook the ingredients slowly over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together. Be sure to stir the sauce frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sausage on hand, you can substitute it with ground beef, turkey, or chicken. You can also use a combination of different meats for a unique flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The lasagna sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove before assembling your lasagna dish.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the lasagna sauce in a large serving bowl, garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. You can also layer it with pasta sheets and cheese in a baking dish for a classic lasagna presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the lasagna sauce with a full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover lasagna sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

The lasagna sauce contains approximately 350 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

The lasagna sauce contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

The lasagna sauce contains approximately 20 grams of fats per serving.

Proteins

The lasagna sauce contains approximately 25 grams of proteins per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

The lasagna sauce is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

The lasagna sauce contains dairy and gluten.

Summary

Overall, the lasagna sauce is a balanced and nutritious addition to a lasagna dish, providing a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Lasagna sauce is a flavorful and versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes, from traditional lasagna to pasta bakes and casseroles. With a rich combination of meats, herbs, and spices, this sauce adds depth and complexity to any dish it is added to. Enjoy the delicious flavors of lasagna sauce in your next Italian-inspired meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was known for her delicious Italian dishes, and on this particular day, she was making her famous lasagna sauce.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, the aroma of garlic, onions, and tomatoes filled the air. I watched in awe as Maria moved gracefully around the kitchen, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that to her simmering pot of sauce. The rich red color and savory scent of the sauce captivated me, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

Maria noticed my fascination and invited me to join her at the stove. She handed me a wooden spoon and guided me through the process of sautéing the onions and garlic until they were soft and fragrant. She showed me how to add the tomatoes, herbs, and spices, and how to let the sauce simmer slowly on the stove, allowing the flavors to meld together and deepen.

As I stirred the pot, Maria shared the story of how she learned to make this sauce from her own grandmother when she was just a young girl. Her grandmother, Nonna Rosa, was a master in the kitchen and passed down her recipes and culinary wisdom to Maria with love and patience.

Maria told me about the secret ingredient in her lasagna sauce – a splash of red wine that added a depth of flavor and richness to the dish. She explained how the wine balanced out the acidity of the tomatoes and added a touch of sweetness to the sauce. I was amazed at how such a simple addition could make such a difference in the final dish.

As the sauce simmered on the stove, Maria and I chatted and laughed, sharing stories and memories. She told me about the first time she made this sauce for her husband, how he had taken one bite and declared it the best lasagna he had ever tasted. I could see the pride and joy in Maria's eyes as she recounted that moment, and I knew that I wanted to create that same sense of satisfaction for my own loved ones.

After a few hours of simmering, the sauce was ready. Maria showed me how to layer it with lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, creating a dish that was as beautiful as it was delicious. We baked the lasagna in the oven until the cheese was golden brown and bubbly, then let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into it.

The first bite of that lasagna was a revelation. The sauce was rich and velvety, with layers of flavor that danced on my tongue. The tomatoes were sweet and tangy, the herbs were fresh and fragrant, and the wine added a subtle complexity that elevated the dish to a whole new level.

As I savored each bite, I knew that I had found a recipe that would become a staple in my own kitchen. I thanked Maria for sharing her culinary expertise with me and vowed to pass down this recipe to future generations, just as she had done with me.

And so, that is the story of how I learned to make Maria's famous lasagna sauce. It is a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, not just for its delicious taste, but for the memories and traditions that it represents. Every time I make this sauce, I am transported back to that sunny day in Maria's kitchen, surrounded by love, laughter, and the aroma of simmering tomatoes. And for that, I am forever grateful.