Ingredients:
For the Pasta Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- A pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup red wine
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- Salt, nutmeg, and black pepper, to taste
For Assembling the Lasagna:
- 2 cups grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
For the Pasta Dough:
-
Prepare the Pasta Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Create a well in the center and crack the eggs into it.
- Gradually mix the eggs into the flour using a fork, then knead the dough by hand on a floured surface. Continue kneading until you have a smooth, elastic dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
-
Roll and Cut Pasta:
- Roll out the pasta dough into thin sheets using a pasta machine or a rolling pin. Cut the sheets into large lasagna noodles and set them aside.
For the Filling:
-
Brown the Meat:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground pork and ground beef over medium-high heat until they are cooked through. Remove any excess fat from the pan.
-
Add Aromatics:
- Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
-
Deglaze with Wine:
- Pour in the red wine and cook until it's mostly evaporated.
-
Season and Add Tomatoes:
- Season the meat mixture with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and simmer the sauce for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
For the Béchamel Sauce:
-
Melt Butter:
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
-
Add Flour:
- Add the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly until the mixture forms a smooth roux.
-
Whisk in Milk:
- Gradually add the whole milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to whisk and cook until the sauce thickens, which takes about 10-15 minutes. Season with salt, nutmeg, and black pepper to taste.
For Assembling the Lasagna:
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Layer the Lasagna:
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a small amount of béchamel sauce to prevent sticking. Place a layer of pasta sheets on the sauce.
- Spread a portion of the meat sauce over the pasta, followed by a layer of grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of pasta and béchamel sauce.
-
Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the lasagna is hot, bubbly, and golden brown.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the Umbrian Lasagna with fresh basil leaves if desired. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Umbrian Lasagna is a classic Italian comfort food dish that's sure to please with its rich, layered flavors. Enjoy this hearty and delicious lasagna!
Comments (0)