Vietnamese-style Radicchio and Sausage Lasagne

Ingredients

In this Vietnamese adaptation of the original Italian dish, we incorporate Vietnamese flavors and ingredients to create a fusion of cuisines. The traditional Italian lasagne is enhanced with the addition of fragrant Vietnamese spices and herbs, such as lemongrass, ginger, and fish sauce. The radicchio adds a bitter note, which is commonly found in Vietnamese cuisine, and complements the richness of the sausage. This fusion dish brings together the best of both worlds, resulting in a tantalizing and unexpected flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Lasagne radicchio e salsiccia, so you can check it out.

• 9 lasagne noodles 9 lasagne noodles
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (15ml) 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (15ml)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 200g ground pork sausage 200g ground pork sausage
• 1 teaspoon lemongrass, minced 1 teaspoon lemongrass, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (15ml) 1 tablespoon fish sauce (15ml)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (15ml) 1 tablespoon soy sauce (15ml)
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 small radicchio, thinly sliced 1 small radicchio, thinly sliced
• 200g mozzarella cheese, shredded 200g mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 200g ricotta cheese 200g ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (235ml) heavy cream 1 cup (235ml) heavy cream
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 28g (14g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 28g (5g sugars)
• Protein: 23g
• Fiber: 2g
• 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 vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the ground pork sausage to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through.
5. 5.
   Stir in the lemongrass, ginger, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. 6.
   In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and heavy cream. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
7. 7.
   To assemble the lasagne, spread a thin layer of the sausage mixture on the bottom of a baking dish. Top with a layer of lasagne noodles, followed by a layer of radicchio, mozzarella cheese, and the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
8. 8.
   Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let the lasagne cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Remove the tough outer layers and use only the tender inner part for the best flavor. Finely mince the lemongrass to ensure it blends well with the other ingredients.
• Radicchio — Slice the radicchio thinly to balance its bitterness with the other flavors in the dish.
• Fish sauce — Use a high-quality fish sauce for the best taste. Adjust the amount according to your preference for saltiness.
• Ricotta cheese — For a smoother texture, pass the ricotta cheese through a fine-mesh sieve before mixing it with the heavy cream.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a spicy kick, sprinkle some sliced chili peppers on top of the lasagne before baking.
• Experiment with different types of sausages, such as Vietnamese-style sausages or spicy chorizo, to vary the flavor profile.
• For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with coconut milk.
• If radicchio is not available, you can use other bitter greens like kale or mustard greens as a substitute.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for an equally delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Vietnamese-style Radicchio and Sausage Lasagne hot, straight from the oven. Accompany it with a side of fresh salad or pickled vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.

Presentation advice

Garnish the lasagne with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a drizzle of chili oil for an attractive and vibrant presentation. Serve it in individual portions or as a family-style dish for sharing.