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Bolognese lasagne

⏱ 120 min🍳 15 min👤 6 pp★★★☆☆

Here is a classic of the Italian culinary tradition: learn how to achieve the perfect result with us, following the photo gallery and video with our chef! The dish we are talking about is, of course, lasagna, a recipe that characterizes the classic Italian Sunday family lunch. To make the meat sauce, you will have to prepare a good quality Bolognese, and then add components such as the béchamel and the homemade pasta. Although the recipe has its origins in the Emilia region of Italy, this dish is now known worldwide as a genuine symbol of Italian cuisine. Of course, to make a really full-flavoured dish, you'll have to buy the best ingredients, including some top quality minced pork: get it from a trusted butcher! Once you’ve got the best ingredients there is nothing left but to get to work in the kitchen making your delicious Bolognese lasagna.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving
Protein
28g
Carbohydrates
42g
Fat
28g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
120 minutes Total time
15 minutes Active time
Serves 6 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Prepare the Bolognese sauce by following our recipe elsewhere on this site. Prepare the béchamel sauce and the pasta dough following our basic recipes. Now, make the pasta by pulling through the sheets of dough with a pasta maker onto a floured work surface. Boil a pan of salted water and blanch these pasta sheets for about half a minute. With a suitable utensil, remove them from the pan and place them in a basin of cold water so that they don’t stick and stop cooking. With your lasagna sheets ready, you should compose the dish. Coat the bottom of a baking dish with béchamel and then add a layer of pasta. Spread a layer of Bolognese sauce over the pasta (not too much, use light pressure), sprinkle over plenty of grated parmesan, then add another layer of béchamel sauce (again, don’t overdo it). Continue like this, making 4 or 5 layers. The last layer should be made of lasagna, a drizzle of béchamel and a good sprinkling of parmesan to ensure you have a nice gratin finish in the oven. Then bake at 180°C for about 15 to 30 minutes. Before serving, wait for 2 hours and then re-heat for a few minutes in the oven.

Tips
To make them even more tasty and softer, you can add flakes of butter to each layer of pasta in the lasagna. Rather than buy the béchamel sauce ready-made in the supermarket, you can make it at home with this easy recipe: just melt 100g of butter in a small saucepan and then add 100g of sifted flour, creating a ‘roux’. Cook for a few minutes and then remove the pan from the heat, add 1 litre of warm milk, a sprinkling of nutmeg, and salt.
Trivia
The history of lasagna dates back to ancient Roman times, so much so that it seems Cicero was one of the admirers of this great dish. The name ‘lasagna all Bolognese’ is used outside of Emilia Romagna, the name referring to the famous meat sauce which comes from the city of Bologna, and which is used in the layering of the dish.

Step by step

Lasagne
Lasagne
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Bolognese Lasagna with Traditional Ragù

One of the most appreciated variations of Bolognese Lasagna is the one prepared with a traditional ragù, rich in flavors and aromas. To achieve an optimal result, it is essential to use quality ground meat, along with peeled tomatoes, onion, carrot, and celery. These ingredients, cooked slowly, allow for the development of an intense and enveloping flavor. The béchamel, made with butter, flour, and milk, will complete the dish, adding creaminess. Finally, do not forget to sprinkle each layer of lasagna with abundant grated Parmigiano for an extra touch of flavor. This variation is perfect for a Sunday family lunch or a dinner with friends, capable of satisfying even the most discerning palates.

Bolognese Lasagna Emilia Style

Bolognese Lasagna Emilia Style is a true symbol of the culinary tradition of Emilia Romagna. This preparation stands out for the use of homemade egg pasta, which gives a unique texture to the dish. The traditional recipe calls for a ragù made from beef and pork, cooked for hours over low heat, along with a sauté of onion, carrot, and celery. The carefully prepared béchamel is essential to balance the flavors of the ragù and the pasta. Served hot, this lasagna represents perfect comfort food for special occasions and family lunches, bringing a piece of Italian gastronomic history to the table.

Light Bolognese Lasagna without Béchamel

For those who wish to enjoy Bolognese Lasagna in a lighter version, it can be prepared without béchamel. This light variation is based on sheets of egg pasta, a ragù made from lean meat, and to add creaminess, one can opt for Greek yogurt or light ricotta to spread between the layers. Using chicken or turkey significantly reduces the calorie content of the dish while keeping the flavor intact. Additionally, the lasagna can be enriched with grilled vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant for a touch of freshness and color. This version is ideal for those following a balanced diet without giving up the pleasure of a good Italian dish.

Benefits of Bolognese Lasagna: Nutritional Values and Calories

Bolognese Lasagna, while being a rich and substantial dish, can also offer some nutritional benefits. The egg pasta is a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-term energy. The ragù, made from meat, provides essential proteins for our body, while the béchamel, if used in moderation, adds calcium and vitamins. However, it is important to keep in mind that a portion of Bolognese Lasagna can contain about 400-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the portions. Consumed in moderation and paired with a side of vegetables, they can be part of a balanced diet.

Can Bolognese Lasagna be Frozen?

Yes, Bolognese Lasagna can be frozen without any problems. Before freezing, it is advisable to prepare and assemble them, but not cook them. Once ready, cover them with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in the freezer. When you wish to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours and then bake them in the oven as usual. This way, you will have a ready-to-use dish, ideal for days when you don't have time to cook. It is worth noting that lasagna can be stored in the freezer for a maximum of 2-3 months, keeping flavors and quality intact.