Brazilian-style Lasagne

Ingredients

While the original Italian lasagne is typically made with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and béchamel, this Brazilian adaptation replaces the meat sauce with feijoada, a hearty black bean stew. The flavors of the feijoada add a unique and robust taste to the dish, giving it a distinct Brazilian twist. We alse have the original recipe for Lasagne, so you can check it out.

• 9 lasagne sheets 9 lasagne sheets
• 2 cups (470ml) feijoada 2 cups (470ml) feijoada
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 20g (12g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 40g (5g sugars)
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the feijoada to the skillet and stir in the tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   In a separate pot, cook the lasagne sheets according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. 5.
   In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the feijoada mixture. Place three lasagne sheets on top, followed by another layer of feijoada mixture. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
6. 6.
   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. 7.
   Allow the lasagne to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Feijoada — If you don't have feijoada readily available, you can make a simplified version by using canned black beans and adding cooked bacon or sausage for added flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese — For a more authentic Brazilian touch, you can substitute mozzarella with queijo coalho, a popular Brazilian cheese with a firm texture that is perfect for grilling.
• Parmesan cheese — If you prefer a milder cheese, you can substitute Parmesan with queijo prato, a Brazilian semi-hard cheese.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor of the feijoada, you can add a splash of orange juice or a small piece of orange peel while simmering.
• If you prefer a spicier lasagne, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or a diced jalapeño to the feijoada mixture.
• For a crispy top layer, broil the lasagne for a few minutes after baking until the cheese is golden brown.

Serving advice

Serve the Brazilian-style Lasagne hot, accompanied by a side of white rice and a fresh green salad. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

To make the lasagne visually appealing, cut it into individual portions and serve on decorative plates. Drizzle a little extra tomato sauce on top and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Add a sprig of fresh basil or parsley as a final touch.