Creating the perfect lasagne is an art form, blending traditional Italian techniques with personal flair. Theo Randall’s authentic Italian lasagne recipe offers a glimpse into the classic method, featuring a creamy béchamel sauce and well-defined layers. A key component in lasagne making is the choice of baking dish. The Invero 4X Set of Mini Stoneware Rectangular Coloured Small Oven to Table Baking Dishes are ideal for this purpose, perfect for lasagne, pies, casserole, tapas, and more.
To begin with the ragu, melt butter in a large flameproof casserole dish over medium heat until foaming. The size of the dish is crucial, as it ensures crispy edges and even cooking in the middle. These dishes, made from easy-to-clean and heat-retaining ceramic, come in various rustic-chic colors and patterns, some with ruffled edges. For a traditional ragu, you’ll need ingredients like ground beef, bacon, carrot, celery, onion, tomato purée or peeled tomatoes, dry white wine, whole milk, broth, olive oil or butter, salt, and pepper.
The assembly of the lasagne is a layered affair. Start with a portion of lasagne in a microwavable dish, add a few drops of water, cover, and microwave on medium for 2-3 mins until hot in the middle. The key is in combining the ingredients, layering ragu, cheese, and noodles, and repeating until all are used, finishing with a cheese layer. Soak the lasagne sheets in recently boiled warm water to soften them while preparing the sauces. For this recipe, a shallow 2¼ litre/4 pint ovenproof dish is recommended.
Rectangular Lasagne Baking Dish (ad)
Another notable mention is the Jetmano Oval Baking Dish Set of 4 Ceramic Lasagne Dishes, suitable for various bakes. The rounded edges facilitate easy serving, and the large size accommodates generous portions. For those who prefer a deep dish, the Lasagne Dish Large Deep Ceramic Baking Set is an excellent choice, perfect for tapas, casserole, and roasting. Additionally, the LOVECASA Lasagna Dishes 4000ML Rectangular Casserole Dish with Lid is a versatile option, safe for microwave and oven use, and comes in an attractive reactive glaze mist gray color.
Finally, the cooking process itself is crucial. Saute onion and garlic in olive oil, add ground beef and herbs, and cook until browned. Layer the lasagna noodles with meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The depth of the dish is important to accommodate multiple layers without spillage. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a novice, the right equipment and a good recipe are key to mastering the classic Italian lasagne.
