Russian-style Lasagne

Ingredients

While the original Italian lasagne typically features layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese, this Russian adaptation incorporates elements of Borscht. The meat sauce is infused with beets, creating a vibrant red color and adding a subtle earthy sweetness. Additionally, the traditional Italian cheese is replaced with a creamy Russian sour cream topping. We alse have the original recipe for Lasagne, so you can check it out.

• 9 lasagne sheets 9 lasagne sheets
• 500 grams (1.1 lbs) ground beef 500 grams (1.1 lbs) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 medium beets, grated 2 medium beets, grated
• 2 carrots, grated 2 carrots, grated
• 1 can (400 grams) crushed tomatoes 1 can (400 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried dill 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 200 grams (7 oz) Russian sour cream 200 grams (7 oz) Russian sour cream
• Fresh dill, for garnish Fresh dill, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 8g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Remove any excess fat.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent.
4. 4.
   Stir in the grated beets and carrots, and cook for another 5 minutes.
5. 5.
   Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried dill, dried thyme, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   In a greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce. Top with a layer of lasagne sheets. Repeat the layers until all the sauce and lasagne sheets are used, finishing with a layer of sauce on top.
7. 7.
   Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. 8.
   Remove the foil and spread the Russian sour cream evenly over the top. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the lasagne sheets are cooked through and the sour cream is slightly golden.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh dill before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beets — Wear gloves while grating beets to avoid staining your hands.
• Russian sour cream — Use full-fat Russian sour cream for a rich and creamy flavor.

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 beef with cooked lentils or mushrooms.
• Serve the lasagne with a side of Russian pickles for an authentic Russian touch.

Serving advice

Serve the Russian-style lasagne hot, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or a side of pickled vegetables.

Presentation advice

Garnish each serving of lasagne with a sprig of fresh dill to add a pop of color and freshness.