Italian Lasagna Recipe with Added Flavors
-Ingredients:
-For the Lasagna:
12 lasagna sheets (partially boiled)
500 grams ground meat (beef or a mix with veal)
1 large onion (chopped)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
2 tablespoons olive oil
800 grams tomato sauce (canned or fresh)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
250 grams ricotta cheese
200 grams mozzarella cheese (grated)
100 grams Parmesan cheese (grated)
-For the Added Flavors:
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup mushrooms (sliced)
1/4 cup black olives (sliced)
1/4 cup roasted red peppers (sliced)
-Preparation Steps:
1. Prepare the Ground Meat:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
Add the garlic and stir for one minute, then add the ground meat and cook until browned.
Add the tomato sauce and tomato paste, then sprinkle in the thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 15-20 minutes on low heat to blend the flavors.
2. Prepare the Lasagna:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a large baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Then place a layer of lasagna sheets on top.
Add a layer of ricotta cheese mixed with nutmeg and parsley, followed by a layer of ground meat.
Sprinkle in some mushrooms, black olives, and roasted red peppers for added flavors.
Repeat the layers (sauce, lasagna, cheese, meat, and flavors) until all ingredients are used.
On top, evenly distribute the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
3. Baking:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and let the lasagna bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
4. Serving:
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Added Flavors:
Adding nutmeg to the ricotta cheese provides a warm, aromatic flavor.
The mushrooms and black olives add a rich taste and depth.
Roasted red peppers contribute a mild sweetness and texture variation.
-Note:
You can adjust the flavors to your taste by adding other vegetables like spinach or chili peppers for extra heat.
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