Greek-style Lasagne

Ingredients

While the Italian lasagne is traditionally made with beef, Greek-style lasagne incorporates lamb as the star ingredient. The Greek version also features aromatic herbs like oregano and cinnamon, which add a unique depth of flavor. Additionally, instead of using mozzarella cheese, Greek lasagne is topped with a generous layer of creamy feta cheese, giving it a distinct Mediterranean twist. 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 500g (1.1 lb) ground lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups (470ml) béchamel sauce 2 cups (470ml) béchamel sauce
• 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 480 kcal / 2010 KJ
• Fat: 28g (14g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 32g (8g sugars)
• Protein: 26g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cook the lasagne sheets according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the ground lamb to the skillet and cook until browned. Break up any large chunks with a wooden spoon.
5. 5.
   Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   In a greased baking dish, layer the cooked lasagne sheets, followed by a layer of the lamb sauce. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of lasagne sheets.
7. 7.
   Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the lasagne.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the lasagne is golden and bubbling.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
11. 11.
    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lamb — Choose lean ground lamb for a healthier option. If lamb is not available, you can substitute it with ground beef or turkey.
• Feta cheese — Opt for high-quality feta cheese made from sheep's milk for an authentic Greek taste.
• Béchamel sauce — If you prefer a lighter version, use a low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative such as almond milk to make the béchamel sauce.
• Lasagne sheets — If using dried lasagne sheets, make sure to cook them al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft during baking.
• Fresh parsley — Use fresh parsley for a vibrant garnish that adds a pop of color to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the Greek flavors, add a pinch of dried mint to the lamb sauce.
• Allow the lasagne to rest for a few minutes after baking to make it easier to slice and serve.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the ground lamb with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
• Serve the Greek-style lasagne with a side of Greek salad and crusty bread for a complete Mediterranean meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for an equally delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Greek-style lasagne hot, straight from the oven. Accompany it with a fresh green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness of the dish. Don't forget to sprinkle some extra crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of Mediterranean goodness.

Presentation advice

When serving the Greek-style lasagne, cut it into individual portions and transfer them to plates using a spatula. Garnish each plate with a sprig of fresh parsley for an elegant touch. The golden-brown top layer of feta cheese will be a visual delight, enticing your guests to dig in and savor the flavors.