Arab-Style Lasagne

Ingredients

While the original Italian lasagne features a tomato-based sauce and Italian herbs, the Arab-style lasagne incorporates Middle Eastern spices like cumin, cinnamon, and sumac. Additionally, the traditional Italian meat filling is replaced with a flavorful combination of ground lamb or beef, onions, garlic, and a touch of pomegranate molasses for a hint of sweetness. We alse have the original recipe for Lasagne, so you can check it out.

• 9 lasagne sheets 9 lasagne sheets
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground lamb or beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground lamb or beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon sumac 1 teaspoon sumac
• 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
• 400g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes 400g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes
• 200g (7 oz) tomato sauce 200g (7 oz) tomato sauce
• 250g (9 oz) ricotta cheese 250g (9 oz) ricotta cheese
• 100g (3.5 oz) grated mozzarella cheese 100g (3.5 oz) grated mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 480 kcal / 2010 KJ
• Fat: 26g (total), 12g (saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 32g (total), 8g (sugars)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the ground lamb or beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. 4.
   Stir in the ground cumin, ground cinnamon, sumac, and pomegranate molasses. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. 5.
   Add the canned chopped tomatoes and tomato sauce to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. 6.
   In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper.
7. 7.
   Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place 3 lasagne sheets on top.
8. 8.
   Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the lasagne sheets, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce.
9. 9.
   Repeat the layers with 3 more lasagne sheets, the remaining ricotta cheese mixture, and the remaining meat sauce.
10. 10.
    Top the lasagne with the grated mozzarella cheese.
11. 11.
    Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
12. 12.
    Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
13. 13.
    Allow the lasagne to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground lamb or beef — Choose lean meat for a healthier option.
• Pomegranate molasses — If unavailable, substitute with a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and honey.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, you can prepare the meat sauce in advance and assemble the lasagne just before baking.
• For added flavor, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or mint over the lasagne before serving.
• If you prefer a spicier lasagne, add a pinch of chili flakes to the meat sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the Arab-style lasagne hot, accompanied by a fresh salad and warm Arabic bread.

Presentation advice

Garnish the lasagne with a sprinkle of sumac and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch.