How to Make Traditional Italian Lasagna

**Description:**

Embark on a culinary journey to Italy with our mouthwatering Traditional Italian Lasagna recipe. This beloved dish captures the essence of Italian comfort food, featuring layers of rich, hearty flavors that meld together in perfect harmony. Crafted with love and tradition, our lasagna combines tender pasta, savory Bolognese sauce, creamy béchamel, and a blend of cheeses for an unforgettable dining experience. Explore the step-by-step guide to creating this culinary masterpiece and savor the taste of Italy in every bite.

**Ingredients:**

*For the Bolognese Sauce:*

- 1 lb ground beef

- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 carrot, finely chopped

- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped

- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

- 1/2 cup red wine

- 1/4 cup tomato paste

- 1/2 cup whole milk

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Olive oil for cooking

*For the Béchamel Sauce:*

- 4 cups whole milk

- 1/4 cup unsalted butter

- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

- Pinch of nutmeg

- Salt and white pepper to taste

*For Assembly:*

- 12 no-boil lasagna noodles

- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

**Instructions:**

**Bolognese Sauce:**

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened.

2. Add ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking the meat into crumbles.

3. Pour in the red wine and cook until the liquid is reduced by half.

4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and whole milk. Simmer on low heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

5. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

**Béchamel Sauce:**

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to create a roux. Cook for a minute, but do not let it brown.

2. Gradually add the whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

3. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, white pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Set aside.

**Assembly:**

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Spread a thin layer of Bolognese sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.

3. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.

4. Spread a layer of Bolognese sauce over the noodles, followed by a drizzle of béchamel sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

5. Repeat the layers until you've used all the ingredients, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.

6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

8. Let the lasagna rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

**Food Origin:**

Traditional Italian Lasagna, a beloved culinary masterpiece, hails from the beautiful country of Italy. With roots tracing back to ancient Rome, where pasta was layered with various ingredients, lasagna embodies the essence of Italian home-cooked comfort. Its evolution over centuries reflects the diverse regional cuisines of Italy. While the modern version commonly associated with Bolognese sauce, béchamel, and cheese layers is popular worldwide, variations of lasagna can be found across Italy's diverse regions.

In Northern Italy, lasagna may include béchamel, minced meat, and mushrooms. In the South, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and tomato sauce are prevalent. The art of making lasagna is passed down through generations, each family adding their personal touch to create a dish that celebrates the richness of Italy's culinary heritage. The harmonious blend of flavors and textures in lasagna speaks to the Italian emphasis on quality ingredients, creativity, and shared meals that bring loved ones together. By preparing and enjoying Traditional Italian Lasagna, you're not just indulging in a dish – you're savoring a piece of Italy's history and heart.