lasgna

Certainly! Here’s a classic recipe for homemade lasagna:

Ingredients:

For the Bolognese Sauce:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1/2 pound (225g) ground pork (optional)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely grated
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Ricotta Filling:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Other Ingredients:

• 9-12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

For the Bolognese Sauce:

1. Cook Meat:
   • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and pork over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add Aromatics:
   • Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, grated carrot, and chopped celery to the meat. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
3. Tomato Base:
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine (if using). Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning as needed.

For the Ricotta Filling:

1. Prepare Ricotta Mixture:
   • In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.

Assembling the Lasagna:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layering:
   • In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a small amount of Bolognese sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
   • Spread a portion of the ricotta mixture, followed by a layer of Bolognese sauce, and a layer of shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of Bolognese sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Rest and Serve:
   • Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

This homemade lasagna is a comforting and hearty dish that is sure to be a family favorite. Adjust the recipe according to your taste preferences, and enjoy this classic Italian comfort food!