Lasagna, a delectable and widely adored Italian creation, is renowned for its intricate layers. These layers consist of pasta sheets, a rich meat or vegetable sauce, creamy béchamel sauce, and molten cheese. It’s typically baked in the oven until it becomes golden and bubbly.
However, I must confess, this rendition of lasagna is not a strictly authentic Italian preparation. Rather, it reflects the South African influence, boasting a hint of spice that adds an exciting twist to the classic. This particular lasagna recipe holds a special place in my heart, as it’s a dish I’ve cherished since childhood. It was my go-to contribution for school Christmas parties, and it never failed to impress.
I remember preparing this dish for my husband during our early days of dating, and it quickly became one of his favourites
The essence of this dish revolves around two distinct sauces, the pasta sheets, and the cheese. Below, you’ll find my spicy mince sauce recipe, along with guidance on crafting the perfect white sauce and my personal insights into the layering process.
It’s worth noting that this lasagna is a labor of love, requiring ample patience, but the end result is undoubtedly worth the effort.
SPICY MINCE SAUCE RECIPE
INGREDIENTS
- 750g Lamb Mince (You can use Beef too)
- 1 Tablespoon Diced Garlic
- 1 heaped Teaspoon Mixed Dried Herbs
- 1 heaped Teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1 Teaspoon Steak & Chops Spice
- 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme
- 1 Teaspoon Ginger & Garlic Paste
- 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 400g Italian Diced Tin Tomatoes
- Royco Bolognaise Cook-In Sauce + 500ml Hot Water
- 1.5 Diced Onions
- 3-4 Tablespoons Masala
- Fresh Parsley
METHOD
1. Heat a pan and add the mince. Cook for 5-7 minutes until it changes colour.
2. Add diced garlic, ginger and garlic paste, and fresh thyme.
3. Season with steak and chops spice, mixed dried herbs, dried thyme, and black pepper.
4. Mix in the masala.
5. Add diced onions and the tin of diced Italian tomatoes. Stir well.
6. Season with salt and cook for 10-12 minutes.
7. Mix in the Royco cook-in bolognaise sauce with 500 ml of hot water.
8. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley and cook for another 10-12 minutes.
CREAMY WHITE SAUCE RECIPE
INGREDIENTS
- 100g of Butter or Margarine
- 7 Heaped Tablespoons of All-Purpose Flour
- 850ml of Milk
- 1 Teaspoon of Salt
- A Pinch of Nutmeg (optional)
METHOD
- Start by melting 100g of butter or margarine in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in 7 heaped tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes a pale, golden paste. This magical mixture is called a roux and forms the base of our creamy sauce.
- Here’s a pro tip: Turn off the heat or remove the pot from the burner. Gradually pour in 850ml of milk while stirring constantly. This helps to prevent any unwanted lumps. Keep stirring until your sauce is silky smooth and begins to thicken, usually within 5-10 minutes.
- For that extra touch of flavour, season your sauce with a teaspoon of salt and a pinch of nutmeg. Feel free to skip the nutmeg if it’s not your thing.
EASY LASAGNA ASSEMBLY GUIDE
Lasagna is a delightful dish with layers of goodness. You can make it simple or fancy – it’s up to you! Here’s a step-by-step guide to assembling your lasagna:
INGREDIENTS
- 12 Lasagna Pasta Sheets
- 150g Cheese (Your Choice)
- 2 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese
- Fresh Parsley
METHOD
- Start with a deep rectangle casserole dish. Put two ladles of meat sauce at the bottom and spread it evenly.
- Now, cover the meat sauce with a layer of lasagna sheets.
- Add another layer of meat sauce, and on top of that, spread two to three layers of white sauce. Finish it off with a light sprinkle of grated cheese.
- For the next layer, repeat the previous step. Top the previous layer with lasagna sheets, add meat sauce, white sauce, a sprinkle of cheese, and another layer of lasagna sheets.
- Do the same for one more layer, but this time, use up all the meat sauce. When you place the last layer of lasagna sheets on top, it’s like a delicious lasagna sandwich!
- Now, be generous with white sauce on top of the pasta sheets. Sprinkle plenty of grated cheese, parmesan, and fresh parsley.
- Cover it up with a lid or foil and pop it in the oven. Bake at 190 degrees Celsius for the first 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake at 220 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes.
- Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This helps it hold its shape when you cut it.
- Top each square with extra parmesan and fresh parsley. Then, dig in and enjoy your homemade lasagna!
Here are some tips to ensure your lasagna sheets remain separate and easy to work with:
- Use a Large Pot: Use a large pot with plenty of water to cook the lasagna sheets. This ensures that they have enough space to move around and cook evenly.
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Adding a bit of salt to the boiling water can enhance the flavor of the pasta. Also add in oil this helps the pasta sheets to not stick.
- Stir Occasionally: Once you add the lasagna sheets to the boiling water, stir them gently with a long utensil (like tongs) to prevent them from sticking together. Keep them moving during the first few minutes of cooking.
- Follow Package Instructions: Cook the lasagna sheets according to the package instructions. The cooking time can vary depending on the brand and type of pasta. Typically, it takes around 8-10 minutes for them to become al dente. You can also cook them half way and cook them fully when the lasagna is baking..
- Test for Doneness: To check if the pasta is done, taste a small piece. It should be tender but still have a slight bite to it (al dente). Avoid overcooking, as the sheets will continue to cook in the oven when you bake the lasagna.
- Drain and Rinse: Once the lasagna sheets are cooked, immediately drain them in a colander and rinse them gently with cold water. This helps stop the cooking process and removes excess starch that can cause sticking.
- Lay Them Flat: Lay the cooked and rinsed lasagna sheets flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper. Avoid stacking them while they are hot, as this can lead to sticking.
- Add a Drizzle of Oil: To further prevent sticking, you can lightly drizzle a bit of olive oil or cooking spray between the sheets. This creates a protective barrier.
- Use Them Promptly: Work quickly when assembling your lasagna. As the sheets cool, they can become more prone to sticking together. If you’re not assembling the lasagna right away, cover the sheets with a damp cloth to keep them moist.
Feel free to get creative with your choice of cheese and garnishes. Lasagna is all about layers of flavour and comfort. Happy eating! 🍽️✨