Gino's Lasagne: A Classic Italian Comfort Food

Gino's Lasagne, a traditional Italian dish, is known for its rich flavors and comforting warmth. It's a family favorite, often served during gatherings and special occasions. The dish has a long history in Italian cuisine, symbolizing the blend of cultural culinary traditions.

Ingredients List

• 9 fresh lasagne sheets (approx. 10 x 18 cm)
• 500 g minced beef
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped into 1 cm cubes
• 1 courgette, chopped into 1cm cubes
• 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 celery stick, finely chopped
• 1x 400 g tinned chopped tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato puree
• 1 glass of Italian dry red wine
• 100 g parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 10 basil leaves
• 50 g salted butter, cold and cut into 1cm cubes
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the béchamel sauce:

• 100 g salted butter
• 100 g plain flour
• 1 L full-fat milk, cold
• ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg

Preparation Instructions

1. Cook Vegetables and Meat: In a large saucepan, heat olive oil and cook onions, carrot, and celery for 5 minutes on medium heat. Add minced beef and cook for another 5 minutes until colored all over. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Add Wine and Tomatoes: Pour in the wine, stir well and cook until it evaporates. Add chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, courgettes, and basil. Cook for an hour on low heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Prepare Béchamel Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in cold milk, reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, whisking constantly. Stir in half of the parmesan cheese and nutmeg, season, and set aside.
4. Assemble Lasagne: Preheat oven to 180°C/Gas mark 4. Spread a quarter of the béchamel sauce in an ovenproof dish. Add a layer of lasagne sheets, half of the meat sauce, and a third of the remaining béchamel sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with béchamel sauce on top. Sprinkle remaining parmesan and cubed butter.
5. Bake: Bake at 180°C for 30 minutes, then increase temperature to 200°C and bake for another 15 minutes until golden.

Storage and Reheating

• Fridge: Store in the refrigerator for 3-5 days in a sealed container or wrapped in foil.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap in foil or place in a freezer bag.
• Reheat: In the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes covered in foil, or in the microwave on medium power in 1-2 minute intervals.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 602
• Total Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 166mg
• Sodium: 1576mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 3.9g
• Sugars: 11g
• Protein: 44g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Layering Order: Start with a layer of sauce, followed by noodles, then sauce, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat and finish with sauce and cheeses.
2. Ricotta or Cottage Cheese?: Ricotta is traditionally preferred for its creamy texture.
3. Noodles or Sauce First?: Start with a layer of sauce to prevent sticking.
4. Baking Covered or Uncovered?: Bake covered for 35 minutes, then uncover for 10-15 minutes for browning.
5. Lasagna Pan Material: A metal pan is recommended for better heat conduction.
6. Sauce Consistency: The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
7. Oven Placement: Place the lasagna on the middle shelf for even heat distribution.
8. Preventing Lasagna from Falling Apart: Allow it to rest for 10 minutes after baking.
9. Juiciness Issue: Adjust sauce quantity or pre-cook ingredients to control moisture.

Gino's Lasagne is not just a dish, but a celebration of Italian culinary tradition. Its rich flavors and comforting warmth make it a perfect meal for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Pair it with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a complete Italian feast. Buon Appetito!