Moroccan-style Lasagne

Ingredients

While the original Italian lasagne is known for its tomato-based sauce and Italian herbs, this Moroccan adaptation introduces a blend of aromatic spices such as cumin, cinnamon, and paprika. The traditional béchamel sauce is replaced with a creamy and fragrant sauce made with yogurt and harissa, adding a delightful kick to the dish. 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 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons harissa paste 2 tablespoons harissa paste
• 250g (1 cup) Greek yogurt 250g (1 cup) Greek yogurt
• 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• 50g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese 50g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 25g (12g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 28g (6g sugars)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until golden.
3. 3.
   Add the ground lamb to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. 4.
   Stir in the ground cumin, cinnamon, paprika, ginger, and turmeric. Cook for another minute to release the flavors.
5. 5.
   Add the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and harissa paste to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   In a separate bowl, mix the Greek yogurt and crumbled feta cheese until well combined.
7. 7.
   In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce. Place three lasagne sheets on top, followed by a layer of the yogurt and feta mixture. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the lasagne.
9. 9.
   Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
10. 10.
    Let the lasagne cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground lamb — Make sure to choose lean ground lamb for a healthier option.
• Harissa paste — Adjust the amount of harissa paste according to your spice preference. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder flavor.
• Greek yogurt — Opt for full-fat Greek yogurt for a creamier texture in the sauce.
• Feta cheese — If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, use a matured feta cheese.
• Cilantro — If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley for a different herbaceous note.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, you can prepare the meat sauce in advance and assemble the lasagne just before baking.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the ground lamb with cooked lentils or a mix of sautéed vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers.
• Serve the lasagne with a side of Moroccan-style couscous or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• If you prefer a spicier lasagne, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat sauce.
• Leftover lasagne can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for a delicious lunch or dinner.

Serving advice

Serve the Moroccan-style Lasagne hot, straight from the oven. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before cutting into portions to ensure the layers hold together. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of your Moroccan-style Lasagne, drizzle a swirl of harissa sauce on top before serving. You can also sprinkle some extra crumbled feta cheese and a pinch of ground cinnamon for an eye-catching finishing touch.