Vincisgrassi: An Italian Layered Delight
Vincisgrassi, a rich and hearty variation of lasagna, hails from the Marche region of Italy. A family favorite passed down through generations, this dish is an explosion of savory flavors, with layers of homemade lasagna noodles, tender meats, and a luscious ragù. It’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner with loved ones, and it can easily serve a crowd of eight.
Ingredients for Vincisgrassi
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Egg Lasagna Sheets (Lasagne all’uovo) | 500g |
| Chicken Offal (Frattaglie di pollo) | 350g |
| Onion | 1 |
| Carrot | 1 |
| Celery | 1 |
| Tomato Passata | 300g |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP | 100g |
| Salt | q.b. (to taste) |
| Black Pepper | q.b. (to taste) |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | q.b. (to taste) |
| Pork (Maiale) | 200g |
| Beef (Manzo) | 200g |
| Pancetta (Italian Bacon) | 100g |
| Beef Broth (Brodo di carne) | 200ml |
Steps to Prepare Vincisgrassi
1. Prepare the Meats and Vegetables
To start, finely slice the pancetta, beef, and chicken offal into small pieces. Next, chop the onion, carrot, and celery into small, uniform pieces. This will form the aromatic base for your ragù.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large casserole dish, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and begin to release their aromas.
3. Cook the Meats
Once the vegetables are ready, add the pancetta to the pan and allow it to render its fat. Then, incorporate the beef and pork, stirring everything together. Let the mixture cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the meats to brown and develop flavor.
4. Add the Chicken Offal
Now it’s time to add the chicken offal. Stir everything together, ensuring the offal is well-mixed with the rest of the ingredients. Cook for another 5–7 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld.
5. Simmer the Ragù
Once the meats and vegetables are well combined, pour in the tomato passata and beef broth. Stir everything to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the ragù cook gently for about 1 to 1.5 hours, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have developed fully. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Prepare the Lasagna Layers
While the ragù is simmering, prepare the lasagna sheets. If using fresh pasta, blanch the sheets in boiling salted water for just a minute, then drain and lay them out on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking. If you are using pre-made lasagna sheets, make sure they’re ready to assemble.
7. Assemble the Vincisgrassi
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a deep baking dish with a bit of olive oil. Start by spreading a thin layer of ragù on the bottom of the dish, then cover it with a layer of lasagna sheets. Add another generous spoonful of ragù and sprinkle a bit of grated Parmigiano Reggiano over the top. Repeat the layers, stacking them high. Aim for at least 8–10 layers, which is a signature feature of Vincisgrassi.
8. Bake
Finish with a final layer of ragù and a generous sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling. You should see a beautiful crust forming on the surface.
9. Serve
Allow the Vincisgrassi to rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure the layers set. Serve warm with a fresh green salad and enjoy the rich flavors of this traditional Italian delight.
Tips for Perfect Vincisgrassi
- Homemade Pasta: If you’re feeling adventurous, make your own lasagna noodles for an authentic touch. Homemade pasta will add an extra layer of richness to the dish.
- Broth Variations: For an even deeper flavor, consider using a mix of beef and chicken broth.
- Resting Time: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the layers to settle and makes it easier to cut.
- Flavor Adjustment: Vincisgrassi is traditionally seasoned simply, but feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
Conclusion
Vincisgrassi is a labor of love and a true celebration of Italian culinary tradition. This layered masterpiece, rich with meats and topped with golden, bubbly cheese, is sure to impress at any dinner gathering. Whether you’re an Italian cuisine enthusiast or a first-time cook, this dish offers a delicious taste of Italy’s heartland that’s worth the effort. Enjoy with family, friends, and a glass of your favorite wine!
