Neapolitan-style Poppy Seed Lasagne

Ingredients

In this Neapolitan adaptation of the dish, we incorporate the use of poppy seeds, which are not typically found in traditional Italian lasagne. The poppy seeds add a distinct flavor and texture to the dish, giving it a unique Neapolitan twist. Additionally, the Neapolitan version may use a slightly different combination of herbs and spices to enhance the flavors according to the local taste preferences. We alse have the original recipe for Lasagne ai semi di papavero, so you can check it out.

• 9 lasagne sheets 9 lasagne sheets
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 800g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes 800g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 250g (8.8 oz) mozzarella cheese, grated 250g (8.8 oz) mozzarella cheese, grated
• 50g (1.8 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated 50g (1.8 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking Olive oil for cooking

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 480 kcal / 2010 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 10g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
4. 4.
   Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   In a separate pot, cook the lasagne sheets according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. 6.
   In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
7. 7.
   In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until lightly golden.
8. 8.
   Gradually whisk the hot milk into the flour mixture, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened.
9. 9.
   Stir in the poppy seeds and season with salt and pepper.
10. 10.
    Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place a layer of lasagne sheets on top.
11. 11.
    Spread a layer of the béchamel sauce over the lasagne sheets, followed by a layer of mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
12. 12.
    Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of tomato sauce and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan.
13. 13.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
14. 14.
    Allow the lasagne to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Poppy seeds — Toast the poppy seeds in a dry pan over low heat for a few minutes to enhance their flavor before adding them to the béchamel sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
• To make the lasagne dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese alternatives or a combination of tofu and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Add a layer of roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, for extra flavor and texture.
• Allow the lasagne to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to make it easier to slice and serve.
• Serve the lasagne with a fresh green salad on the side to balance the richness of the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Neapolitan-style Poppy Seed Lasagne hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and additional flavor. Accompany with a side salad and crusty bread to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

To present the lasagne beautifully, cut it into individual portions and carefully transfer each piece to a plate using a spatula. Drizzle a little extra tomato sauce on top and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil for an elegant touch.