Tunisian-style Carnival Lasagne

Ingredients

In this Tunisian adaptation of the original Italian dish, the lasagne is infused with Tunisian spices and flavors. The traditional Italian meat sauce is replaced with a spiced ground meat filling seasoned with cumin, coriander, paprika, and harissa. These additions give the dish a distinct Tunisian twist, adding a fiery and aromatic element to the lasagne. We alse have the original recipe for Lasagne di carnevale, so you can check it out.

• 9 lasagne noodles 9 lasagne noodles
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon harissa paste 1 teaspoon harissa paste
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 250g (8.8 oz) mozzarella cheese, grated 250g (8.8 oz) mozzarella cheese, grated
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 6g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cook the lasagne noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
5. 5.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, paprika, harissa paste, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   In a greased baking dish, layer the lasagne noodles, followed by a layer of the meat sauce, and a sprinkle of grated mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
7. 7.
   Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lasagne noodles — Cook the noodles until al dente to ensure they hold their shape when layered in the lasagne.
• Harissa paste — Adjust the amount of harissa paste according to your spice preference. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a mixture of sautéed vegetables.
• Serve the lasagne with a side of Tunisian salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
• If you prefer a spicier lasagne, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat sauce.
• Make the lasagne in advance and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to develop even further.
• Leftover lasagne can be frozen and reheated for a quick and satisfying meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Tunisian-style Carnival Lasagne hot, straight from the oven. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before cutting into portions to ensure clean slices. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

Present the lasagne on individual plates or a large serving dish, showcasing the layers of noodles, meat sauce, and melted cheese. Sprinkle some additional grated mozzarella on top for an extra cheesy touch. Serve with a side of Tunisian salad and warm bread.