Lasagne Bolognese

90 min    4    dinner

Instructions

Introduction

Traditional lasagne bolognese based on an old Italian recipe. Bolognese sauce originates from the city of Bologna. In addition to the bolognese sauce, a traditional lasagne bolognese of course also includes béchamel sauce.

Preparing the lasagne sauce

  • Finely chop the onion and garlic.
  • Put a large frying pan on the heat with three tablespoons of olive oil.
  • Sauté the onion in the olive oil and when the onion starts to turn golden, add the garlic.
  • Then take a separate small saucepan and put it on high heat. Add all the tomato ingredients and keep stirring continuously so it doesn’t burn.
  • When the tomato mixture no longer has an acidic smell you can add it to the onion and garlic.
  • Add the mince to the mixture. Break up the mince a little. The mince should not be made too fine.
  • Add Italian herbs, pepper and salt to your own preference and taste.
  • Add the bay leaf.
  • If desired, a little sugar can be added. If needed, a bit more Italian herbs, salt and pepper.
  • Allow the whole thing to simmer for about 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Make sure the heat is low and the lid is on the pan.
  • Meanwhile preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

In the meantime you can make the béchamel sauce.

Preparing the béchamel sauce

  • Melt butter in a small saucepan, making sure the butter does not brown.
  • Stir in the flour. A lumpy mixture (like dough) will form.
  • Keep stirring with a whisk and then gradually add the cold milk. A thicker mass will form again, then you can add a little more milk.
  • Halfway through, add the splash of white wine vinegar.
  • Bring the whole thing to the boil and keep stirring well until a thick sauce forms.
  • Then add pepper and salt to taste.

Preparing the lasagne

  • Slice the mozzarella balls into slices in advance.
  • Take the oven dish and grease it with butter or olive oil.
  • Put some lasagne sauce on the bottom, making sure the entire base is covered.
  • Place a layer of lasagne sheets on top of the sauce layer.
  • Then one layer of béchamel sauce, then a layer of bolognese sauce and the mozzarella slices on top.
  • Repeat this again with a layer of lasagne sheets, a layer of béchamel sauce, a layer of bolognese sauce and slices of mozzarella.
  • Finally another layer of lasagne sheets, a layer of béchamel sauce, a layer of bolognese sauce and on top a layer of grated cheese.
  • ! Always finish with a layer of sauce!

Place the oven dish in the preheated oven and allow the whole thing to cook through for another 45 minutes.