Lasagna: Authentic Recipe

Lasagna is one of the most iconic dishes of Italian cuisine, loved and appreciated by people of all ages around the world. This masterpiece of culinary tradition comes in countless variations, each with its own unique touch, often tied to the different regions of Italy. Today, we want to introduce you to the timeless classic: authentic lasagna, made with fresh pasta, rich Bolognese sauce, and creamy béchamel. A perfect combination of flavors that never fails to delight!

The preparation of lasagna involves three main steps, each playing a key role in creating the perfect dish. First, we start with the fresh pasta, which you can easily find at this link. Next, the Bolognese sauce, the recipe for which is available at this link. And finally, the creamy béchamel sauce that ties everything together. Once all these components are ready, take a baking dish with high sides. Start by spreading a layer of ragù and béchamel at the bottom, then add the first layer of pasta. Continue layering the pasta, ragù, and béchamel, repeating the process until the dish is fully filled. Finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 30 minutes. Trust me, it will be a flavor triumph!

• Ragù: For a truly traditional lasagna, the Bolognese sauce is absolutely essential. Its deep, savory flavor is what gives the dish its signature richness. You can prepare the ragù fresh, but using a batch made the day before often enhances the flavors, allowing them to meld together beautifully.
• Béchamel: This rich and velvety sauce is the key to creating the perfect lasagna. It adds a creamy texture that balances the layers of pasta and ragù, acting as the glue that holds everything together. A well-made béchamel elevates the dish from good to unforgettable.
• Fresh pasta: The lasagna sheets are traditionally made from fresh egg pasta. Their delicate texture pairs wonderfully with the other components, absorbing the sauces perfectly for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Freshly made pasta brings authenticity and ensures a truly Italian touch to your lasagna.

In a pot with high sides, melt the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the same amount of flour. As the mixture, known as roux, begins to darken, gradually add the milk. Stir constantly with the help of a whisk. Add salt and freshly grated nutmeg to taste. Once the béchamel sauce starts to thicken, turn off the heat, and the béchamel is ready to use.

• Ragù consistency: When preparing the ragù, it’s best to leave it slightly more liquid than usual. Even a short bake of 30 minutes in the oven can dry out the lasagna if the sauce isn’t moist enough.
• Béchamel texture: The same rule applies to the béchamel sauce. Keeping it a bit thinner rather than overly thick will help maintain the lasagna’s moisture during baking.
• Fresh pasta: While making fresh lasagna sheets at home is ideal, you can easily find good options at the supermarket. Typically, lasagna pasta is sold dry. Don’t worry—just let your assembled lasagna rest for about 20 minutes before putting it in the oven. This allows the pasta to absorb the sauces, ensuring better texture.
• Ingredient balance: The right amount of Bolognese sauce and béchamel is a matter of personal preference, but be careful not to overdo it. Too much liquid can make the lasagna soggy, resulting in a less-than-perfect final dish.

While it’s convenient to buy pre-made ingredients for lasagna at the store, making everything homemade takes the dish to a whole new level. The flavors become richer and more satisfying, making it well worth the effort. This homemade recipe is perfect for a cozy Sunday morning, especially if you want to turn it into a fun family activity. Even though it takes a little more time, the results are absolutely worth it!

Once the lasagna is baked, it can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 2–3 days without any issues. If you’d like to keep it for a longer period, you can freeze it. However, it’s best to bake the lasagna first before freezing it, as this ensures better texture and flavor when reheated.