Authentic Italian Lasagna: A Recipe to Try

When looking for lasagna recipes, I noticed something interesting. Many recipes call for the addition of ricotta to the filling. However, adding ricotta is not a traditional practice in the authenticity of the dish. Instead, the original recipe calls for a creamy layer of bechamel sauce, a Bolognese ragù, and fresh pasta sheets. This recipe is not just any ordinary lasagna, but a divine treat that you might not have tasted before.

Willemen, Lasagna Bolognese

The authentic Italian lasagna recipe that I'm sharing comes from a true Bolognese classic. It is registered at the Bologna Chamber of Commerce, a testament to its unique status. People who have traveled to Bologna or tasted lasagna from this region might recognize this dish. However, if you're like me, you might not have experienced this authentic lasagna before. The most notable difference is the absence of ricotta, a texture that can overpower the other flavors and the essence of the dish.

The Authentic Recipe

Let's explore the authentic recipe. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Translate the Original Italian Recipe

If you can't read Italian, you're in luck. The original recipe in Italian is, 'Ricetta originale lasagne Bolognesi.' You can easily find it and translate it using Google Translate. Remember to convert the measurements to U.S. or imperial units if you're not familiar with the metric system.

Step 2: Prepare the Bechamel Sauce

Bechamel sauce is a crucial part of this recipe. To make it, you'll need:

2 tablespoons of butter 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour 1 cup of whole milk A pinch of salt and a grind of black pepper

In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and flour to make a roux. Cook it over medium heat for a few minutes until it becomes smooth. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Prepare the Bolognese Ragù

This sauce is the heart of the dish. It can be quite labor-intensive but worth it. Here's how you can make it:

1 pound of ground beef 1 small onion, diced 2 cloves of garlic, minced 1 carrot, diced 1 celery stalk, diced 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes 1 teaspoon of dried oregano 1 teaspoon of dried basil A pinch of salt and a grind of black pepper

In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until they are softened. Add the beef and cook until browned. Add the carrots and celery, stirring occasionally. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

To assemble the lasagna, you'll need to work with very thin pasta sheets, ideally made from spinach or nettle. You can find these at specialty Italian stores or online.

Place a layer of pasta sheets in the bottom of a baking dish. Spread a layer of bechamel sauce over the pasta. Add a layer of Bolognese ragù, followed by another layer of pasta. Continue this process until all ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of pasta and bechamel sauce. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Conclusion

The authentic Italian lasagna version might require more effort, but the results are worth it. The rich flavors of the bechamel and Bolognese ragù, combined with the delicate layers of fresh pasta, create a truly unique and divine dish. It's a dish you might have never tried before, and it's a simple matter of following the authentic recipe.

So, the next time you're looking for lasagna, consider trying the authentic Italian version. It's a reminder of the rich culinary heritage of Italy and a dish that is sure to delight your taste buds. If you haven't tried it yet, make sure to check out the original Bolognese recipe and translate it using Google Translate.