White Lasagna with Capon Ragù
Category: Main Courses
Servings: 6
This delicious white lasagna with capon ragù is a luxurious dish that brings together rich flavors and a delicate touch, perfect for a special dinner or holiday feast. The combination of creamy béchamel sauce, tender capon meat, and savory Grana Padano creates an unforgettable experience. Follow the steps to create this mouthwatering dish with layers of homemade ingredients and comforting goodness.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Egg Lasagna Sheets | 200g |
| Grana Padano DOP | 80g |
| Carrot | 1 |
| Celery | 1 |
| Onion | ½ |
| Juniper Berries | To taste |
| Black Peppercorns | To taste |
| Rosemary | 2 sprigs |
| Bay Leaves | To taste |
| Water | 5 liters |
| Capon | 740g |
| Olive Oil (extra virgin) | To taste |
| Thyme | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Cognac | 50g |
| Butter | 50g |
| All-Purpose Flour | 50g |
| Whole Milk | 500g |
| Grana Padano DOP (for béchamel) | 100g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Start by preparing the capon for the ragù. Clean the capon and separate the meat, reserving about 450g for the ragù. The bones will be used for the broth.
To make the broth, place the capon bones into a large pot along with vegetables (one carrot, one celery stalk, and half an onion), juniper berries, and black peppercorns. Add about 1.5 liters of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it simmer for about two hours, allowing the flavors to meld and create a rich broth. Once done, strain the broth and set it aside for later use.
Step 2: Prepare the Ragù
In a separate pan, finely chop the remaining carrot, celery, and onion. Drizzle a little olive oil into a pan and sauté the vegetable mixture along with two sprigs of rosemary, cooking until the vegetables soften.
In another pan, heat a little olive oil and add the capon meat. Brown the meat for about 4-5 minutes over high heat, stirring frequently to prevent it from sticking. Once browned, deglaze with the cognac and let it cook off.
As the meat cooks, slowly add the capon broth as needed to keep the ragù moist, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the ragù simmer, and allow the flavors to combine until the meat is tender and the sauce is rich and thick.
Step 3: Make the Grana Padano Béchamel
In a small saucepan, warm the milk over low heat. In another pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour all at once, stirring to form a roux.
Slowly add the warm milk to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Once the sauce thickens, add the grated Grana Padano DOP cheese and continue whisking until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and prepare a baking dish measuring approximately 25×19 cm.
Begin assembling the lasagna by spreading a thin layer of béchamel sauce at the bottom of the baking dish. Next, place a layer of fresh lasagna sheets on top of the sauce.
Spread a generous amount of capon ragù over the pasta sheets, followed by a sprinkle of grated Grana Padano DOP cheese. Repeat this process, layering pasta sheets, béchamel, ragù, and cheese until all ingredients are used up.
Top the final layer with the remaining ragù and a generous amount of Grana Padano DOP cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
Place the lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling. The lasagna should be firm and slightly crispy around the edges.
Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Serve & Enjoy!
Slice and serve your white lasagna with capon ragù hot, topped with extra Grana Padano if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a glass of white wine to complement the rich flavors.
This White Lasagna with Capon Ragù is an indulgent dish, rich in tradition, and bursting with flavor. The combination of homemade ragù, creamy béchamel, and perfectly layered pasta sheets ensures that every bite is a savory delight. Perfect for any special occasion or a comforting family meal, this lasagna is sure to impress everyone at the table!
