Cuban-style Lasagne

Ingredients

While the original Italian lasagne is typically made with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese, the Cuban-style Lasagne incorporates Cuban flavors by adding ingredients like black beans, plantains, and a tangy sofrito sauce. This fusion creates a unique and exciting twist on the traditional lasagne, infusing it with the vibrant and bold flavors of Cuban cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Lasagne, so you can check it out.

• 12 lasagne noodles 12 lasagne noodles
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 cup (235ml) black beans, cooked and drained 1 cup (235ml) black beans, cooked and drained
• 2 ripe plantains, sliced 2 ripe plantains, sliced
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup (235ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (235ml) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (235ml) beef broth 1 cup (235ml) beef broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
• 2 cups (470ml) shredded mozzarella cheese 2 cups (470ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 550 kcal / 2300 KJ
• Fat: 28g (Saturated Fat: 10g)
• Carbohydrates: 45g (Sugars: 8g)
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cook the lasagne noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same skillet, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
5. 5.
   Add the cooked ground beef back to the skillet and stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, cumin, oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. 6.
   In a separate skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Fry the plantain slices until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
7. 7.
   In a greased baking dish, start layering the lasagne. Begin with a layer of lasagne noodles, followed by a layer of the beef and vegetable mixture, black beans, fried plantains, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
8. 8.
   Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantains — Choose ripe plantains with black spots on the skin for a sweeter flavor and softer texture.
• Black beans — If using canned black beans, rinse them thoroughly before adding to the lasagne to remove excess sodium.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a splash of lime juice to the beef and vegetable mixture.
• If you prefer a spicier lasagne, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some diced jalapeños to the beef and vegetable mixture.
• Feel free to customize the lasagne by adding other Cuban ingredients such as sliced ham or roasted pork.

Serving advice

Serve the Cuban-style Lasagne hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

To make the lasagne visually appealing, cut it into squares and carefully transfer each portion to a plate using a spatula. Ensure that the layers are visible, showcasing the vibrant colors of the ingredients.