Lasagna Al Forno, a classic Italian comfort dish cherished across dinner tables, epitomizes the warmth and indulgence of home cooking 🇮🇹. With layers of rich meat sauce, velvety béchamel, and tender lasagna noodles, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors and textures, guaranteed to delight both family and guests alike 🍝.
Here’s a detailed guide to crafting the perfect Lasagna Al Forno:
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 | Bacon |
| 1 | Onion |
| 2 | Garlic cloves |
| 1 | Carrot |
| 1 | Celery |
| 2 | Minced beef |
| 500g | Quorn pieces |
| 1 | Tomato ketchup |
| 1 | Red wine |
| – | Chopped tomatoes |
| 400g | Oregano |
| 1 | Basil |
| 1 | Parsley |
| 25g | Butter |
| 25g | Flour |
| 300ml | Milk |
| 75g | Parmesan cheese |
Instructions:
-
Preparation of Meat Sauce:
- Heat oil in a heavy pan and sauté onion, half the garlic, and bacon until fragrant.
- Add carrot and celery, cooking for another five minutes, followed by the minced beef and Quorn pieces, until browned.
- Stir in tomato ketchup, red wine, and stock. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Preparation of Tomato Sauce:
- In a separate pan, combine chopped tomatoes, remaining garlic, and oregano. Cook until thickened.
- Stir in basil and parsley, infusing the sauce with herbal goodness.
-
Preparation of Béchamel Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan, then stir in flour until smooth.
- Gradually add milk, bringing to a boil, then simmering for five minutes.
- Stir in half the Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Assembly of Lasagna:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Begin by layering one-third of the meat sauce at the bottom of an oven-proof dish.
- Top with lasagna noodles, followed by a tablespoon of tomato sauce and a drizzle of cheese sauce.
- Repeat layers twice, finishing with a generous layer of white sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top for a golden, cheesy crust.
-
Baking:
- Bake the assembled lasagna for 30-40 minutes, until the top is crusty and bubbling around the edges.
-
Serving:
- Allow the Lasagna Al Forno to cool for a few minutes before serving, allowing the layers to set.
- Slice into generous portions, serving alongside a fresh green salad and a glass of your favorite wine 🍷.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 666.7
- Fat Content: 44.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 19.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 140.5mg
- Sodium Content: 698.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 21.1g
- Fiber Content: 2.6g
- Sugar Content: 6.4g
- Protein Content: 37.9g
Indulge in the layers of flavor, as each bite brings together the savory richness of the meat sauce, the tanginess of the tomato sauce, and the creamy smoothness of the béchamel 🍴. Lasagna Al Forno isn’t just a dish; it’s a culinary experience that invites you to savor every moment around the table with loved ones.
