The Authentic Italian Lasagna: Bolognese Style and Its Ingredients

When it comes to true Italian lasagna, the traditional recipe calls for a rich and creamy bechamel sauce (besciamella) rather than the commonly used ricotta cheese. This article will explore the authentic ingredients used in lasagna alla bolognese and provide a detailed guide for making this classic dish.

Breaking Down the Classic Recipe

The authentic Italian lasagna, known as lasagna alla bolognese, is a sophisticated dish that requires fewer but more essential ingredients. More commonly, the dish includes these key components:

Lasagna pasta Bolognese sauce (ragù alla bolognese) Bechamel sauce (besciamella) Grated Parmesan cheese

These ingredients create a harmonious blend that enhances the depth and complexity of the flavor, making the dish truly memorable.

Understanding the Bechamel Sauce (Besciamella)

The bechamel, or besciamella, is a creamy sauce that serves as the base for many classic Italian dishes. It is made by whisking a roux (butter and flour) into hot milk until smooth. The process is simple, but the result is a rich, velvety sauce that seamlessly combines with the other ingredients in the lasagna.

Ingredients for Besciamella:

5 tablespoons of butter 5 tablespoons of all-purpose flour 1 cup of whole milk A pinch of salt A pinch of nutmeg

Instructions:

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously until the mixture darkens to a light caramel color and forms a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Substitute the roux, and sauté the vegetables and meat.

Preparing the Bolognese Sauce (Ragù Alla Bolognese)

The ragù alla bolognese, the meat sauce that forms the second layer of the lasagna, is a labor of love. It is crafted to perfection, patiently simmered with a blend of aromatic vegetables and slow-cooked with meat.

Ingredients for Bolognese Sauce:

2 carrots, chopped 2 onions, chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 1 pound of ground beef Tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought) 1/2 cup of red wine Olive oil for sautéing Salting Black pepper

Instructions:

In a large pan, add olive oil and sauté the chopped carrots, onions, and celery until they turn light brown. Add the ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is well browned. Pour in a glass of red wine and cook until reduced. Stir in the tomato sauce and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 hours, adjusting seasoning as needed.

Assembling the Traditional Lasagna

Here's how to bring the lasagna alla bolognese together:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Start by pouring a layer of Bolognese sauce into the bottom of a baking dish (9x13 inches). Cover the sauce with a layer of lasagna noodles. Spread a layer of besciamella over the noodles. Top with a layer of grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used. Finish with a final layer of Bolognese sauce and besciamella. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top turns golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Variations:

For a vegetarian version, swap the Bolognese sauce with a mixture of sautéed vegetables, such as zucchini, broccoli, artichokes, peas, and spinach. These will add a burst of flavor and nutrition to the dish.

In conclusion, the traditional Italian lasagna, or lasagna alla bolognese, is a celebrated culinary masterpiece that relies heavily on the bechamel sauce (besciamella) and Bolognese sauce (ragù alla bolognese). By following this guide, you can create a delicious and authentic lasagna that will impress even the most discerning palates.

We hope you enjoy this classic dish and the rich flavors it brings to your table. Buon appetito!