Lidia Bastianich Lasagna Recipe – Hungarian Chef

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a dish that is both comforting and delicious, and it has become a staple in many households. Lidia Bastianich is an award-winning chef and restaurateur, who is also the author of multiple cookbooks. Her lasagna recipe is a classic Italian dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

What is Lidia Bastianich Lasagna Recipe?

Alton Crawford Brown Jr. is recognized as a multifaceted American television personality, celebrated for his diverse roles as a food show presenter, food scientist, author, voice actor, and cinematographer. 

One of his popular items is Lidia Bastianich’s lasagna recipe. It is a classic Italian dish that is made with layers of pasta, cheese, and a savory tomato sauce. The lasagna is cooked in the oven until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling. The lasagna is then served with a dollop of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

What does it taste like?

Lidia Bastianich’s lasagna recipe has a rich and savory flavor. The layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce come together to create a delicious combination of flavors. The tomato sauce is made with Italian herbs and spices, giving the lasagna a unique flavor. The ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese add a creamy and cheesy flavor that is perfect for any Italian dish.

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Ingredients

Lidia Bastianich’s lasagna recipe requires a few simple ingredients:

For the Bechamel:

• Kosher salt (to taste): Salt is a crucial ingredient in cooking, and in this recipe, it’s used to enhance the overall flavor of the bechamel sauce. Adding salt to taste balances the flavors in the dish.
• European-style unsalted butter: This ingredient is used in the bechamel sauce for its rich flavor and fat content, which helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Unbleached all-purpose flour: It acts as a thickening agent in the bechamel sauce. When combined with butter, it forms a roux that helps give the sauce its creamy consistency.
• Organic whole milk, gently warmed: The milk is the base of the bechamel sauce. Using whole milk adds richness and creaminess to the sauce, contributing to its velvety texture.

For Assembly:

• Artisanal no-boil lasagna noodles: These noodles are used directly in the lasagna without boiling, simplifying the assembly process. They absorb moisture from other ingredients while baking, resulting in a perfectly cooked pasta layer in the finished dish.
• Slow-Simmered Bolognese: This sauce is the heart of the lasagna, providing depth, richness, and a savory meaty element to the dish. It’s a classic component in traditional lasagna recipes.
• Finely grated aged pecorino romano cheese: Pecorino romano cheese adds a salty, tangy flavor to the dish. Its sharpness complements the richness of the bechamel and bolognese, enhancing the overall taste of the lasagna.

Directions

Making Lidia Bastianich’s lasagna recipe is easy and straightforward. Here are the steps:

Bechamel Preparation:

• Melt Butter: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt European-style unsalted butter.
• Create Roux: Once melted, add unbleached all-purpose flour to the butter. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and golden—a roux.
• Gradually Add Milk: Gently pour in warmed organic whole milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
• Thicken and Season: Cook the Bechamel sauce for 10-15 minutes until it thickens. Season it with kosher salt to taste. Set the Bechamel aside.

Bolognese Sauce:

• Follow Recipe: Follow a trusted Bolognese recipe (like Lidia Bastianich’s) or your preferred one. Let it simmer to develop rich flavors. Set the Bolognese sauce aside once it’s ready.

Assembly Process:

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the lasagna noodle package.
• Prepare Baking Dish: Take a large baking dish and ladle a thin layer of Bolognese sauce onto the bottom, creating the first layer.
• Layer Noodles: Place a layer of no-boil lasagna noodles over the sauce. They’ll absorb moisture during baking.
• Add Bechamel: Spread a layer of the prepared Bechamel sauce evenly over the noodles.
• Layer Bolognese: Add another layer of Bolognese sauce over the Bechamel, ensuring even coverage.
• Cheese Layer: Sprinkle a portion of finely grated aged pecorino romano cheese evenly over the sauce, layering flavors.
• Repeat Layering: Repeat the layers (noodles, Bechamel, Bolognese, cheese) until near the top of the baking dish, finishing with a top layer of Bolognese sauce and cheese.

Baking Instructions:

• Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil, tenting it to avoid touching the cheese. Place it in the preheated oven.
• Follow Package Instructions: Bake according to the directions on the lasagna noodle package. Aim for tender noodles and golden, melted cheese.
• Remove Foil: During the last few minutes of baking, remove the foil to lightly brown the top layer.

Serving:

• Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Portion and Serve: Cut it into portions and serve while warm, savoring the layers of rich Bechamel, savory Bolognese, and perfectly cooked noodles.

Enjoy your homemade lasagna masterpiece!

Tips

– When assembling the lasagna, make sure the noodles are completely covered with sauce and cheese so that they don’t dry out in the oven.
– If you are using ground beef, make sure it is cooked through before adding it to the sauce.
– Feel free to add vegetables to the sauce to make the lasagna more nutritious.
– For a vegetarian lasagna, simply omit the ground beef and use a meat-free tomato sauce.
– If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can substitute cottage cheese or cream cheese.
– If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute Asiago or Romano cheese.

Nutrition Information

One serving of Lidia Bastianich’s lasagna recipe contains approximately 350 calories, 14 grams of fat, and 36 grams of carbohydrates. It also has 15 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber.

What to serve with Lidia Bastianich Lasagna Recipe?

Lidia Bastianich’s lasagna recipe is a great main dish for any meal. Here are some delicious sides that pair well with this dish:

-Salad- : Serve a fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette to add a light and refreshing element to the meal.

– Garlic bread: Serve a crusty loaf of garlic bread to accompany the lasagna.

– Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or cauliflower are a great way to add some extra vegetables to the meal.

– Pasta: Serve a side of pasta with the lasagna to make the meal more filling.

– Fruits: Serve a selection of fresh fruit to add a sweet and colorful element to the meal.

How to store leftover Lidia Bastianich Lasagna Recipe?

Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the lasagna in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the lasagna is heated through.

What other substitutes can I use in Lidia Bastianich Lasagna Recipe

There are many substitutes you can use to make Lidia Bastianich’s lasagna recipe. Here are some ideas:

– Cheese:You can use any type of cheese in the lasagna, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses.

– Ground beef: You can substitute ground turkey, pork, or even crumbled tofu for the ground beef.

– Tomato sauce: If you don’t have tomato sauce, you can use crushed tomatoes or a combination of tomatoes and herbs.

– Noodles: You can use any type of pasta, such as fettuccine, penne, or even macaroni.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Lidia Bastianich’s lasagna recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the lasagna ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. Can I freeze leftover lasagna?

Yes, you can freeze leftover lasagna for up to 3 months.

3. What cheese is best for lasagna?

Ricotta and Parmesan are the most commonly used cheeses in lasagna, but you can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.

4. Can I make Lidia Bastianich’s lasagna recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can make the lasagna vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and using a meat-free tomato sauce.

5. Can I add vegetables to the lasagna?

Yes, you can add vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the lasagna to make it more nutritious.

6. Can I use other types of pasta in the lasagna?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta, such as fettuccine, penne, or even macaroni.

7. How long does lasagna last in the refrigerator?

Leftover lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Lidia Bastianich’s lasagna recipe is a classic Italian dish that is sure to please the whole family. The lasagna is made with layers of pasta, cheese, and a savory tomato sauce. It is easy to make and can be made ahead of time for a quick and easy meal. 

The recipe is also versatile and can be made vegetarian or with other types of pasta. With a few simple ingredients and a few tips, you can create a delicious lasagna that the whole family will enjoy.

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