Lasagne alla Ferrarese

Ingredients

• 250g (9 oz) fresh lasagne sheets 250g (9 oz) fresh lasagne sheets
• 300g (10.5 oz) ground beef 300g (10.5 oz) ground beef
• 200g (7 oz) ground pork 200g (7 oz) ground pork
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, finely chopped 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 400g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes 400g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
• 250ml (1 cup) red wine 250ml (1 cup) red wine
• 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 (optional) 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
• 50g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour 50g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour
• 500ml (2 cups) whole milk 500ml (2 cups) whole milk
• A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• 100g (1 cup) grated Parmesan cheese 100g (1 cup) grated Parmesan cheese

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 8g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened.
2. 2.
   Add the ground beef and pork to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through.
3. 3.
   Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute, until it forms a paste.
5. 5.
   Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook the béchamel sauce until thickened, stirring constantly.
6. 6.
   Remove the béchamel sauce from the heat and stir in the grated nutmeg.
7. 7.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
8. 8.
   To assemble the lasagne, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place a layer of fresh lasagne sheets on top, followed by a layer of meat sauce and a drizzle of béchamel sauce. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of béchamel sauce.
9. 9.
   Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer.
10. 10.
    Bake the lasagne in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
11. 11.
    Allow the lasagne to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to slice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef and pork — Ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
• Fresh lasagne sheets — If using dried lasagne sheets, follow the package instructions for cooking or pre-soaking before layering.
• Red wine — Choose a red wine that you enjoy drinking, as it will contribute to the overall flavor of the dish.
• Parmesan cheese — Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• Nutmeg — Grate the nutmeg fresh for the béchamel sauce to enhance its aroma and taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with a combination of mushrooms and lentils for a rich and flavorful sauce.
• Add a layer of thinly sliced mozzarella cheese between the meat sauce and béchamel sauce for an extra cheesy lasagne.
• 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 to balance out the richness of the dish.
• Leftover lasagne can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for an equally delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Lasagne alla Ferrarese hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into individual portions and plate it with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Accompany it with a side salad and some crusty bread to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

To present the Lasagne alla Ferrarese beautifully, use a rectangular or square baking dish that showcases the layers of pasta and sauce. Garnish the top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves. Serve it on a rustic wooden board or individual plates for an inviting presentation.