Italian Lasagna with Besciamella Sauce: Here's the Classic Recipe

The Italian Lasagna with Besciamella Sauce Recipe

Italian lasagna with besciamella (also known as béchamel in French cuisine) is a classic dish that many people worldwide love. It is made by layering pasta sheets, meat or vegetables, and a creamy white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk. Some variations include cheese and herbs, such as parsley or basil, for added flavor.

Here are a few things to know about lasagna with besciamella sauce:

Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is thought to have originated in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, where it is still a popular dish today.
There are many variations of lasagna, including vegetarian lasagna, seafood lasagna, and lasagna made with different types of meat, such as beef, pork, or chicken.
The ingredients in besciamella sauce: Besciamella sauce is made from a combination of butter, flour, and milk. It is often seasoned with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg to add flavor.
Serving and storing lasagna: Lasagna is typically served hot and can be garnished with herbs, cheese, or other ingredients. It can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen later. To reheat, place the lasagna in the oven or microwave until it is heated.

How to make lasagna with besciamella sauce: Making lasagna with besciamella sauce is a multi-step process that involves boiling the pasta, preparing the filling, and making the besciamella sauce. The pasta sheets, filling, and besciamella sauce are then layered in a baking dish and baked in the oven until the lasagna is hot and bubbly.

Ingredients

Makes 8 to 12 servings

5 cups Bolognese Sauce
Fresh Pasta Dough
One tablespoon of unsalted butter
1 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese
2 cups Besciamella Sauce (below)

Besciamella Sauce Ingredients —makes 2 cups:

Four tablespoons of unsalted butter
Six tablespoons of all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
Two teaspoons of kosher salt

Besciamella Sauce Preparation

Place the butter into a medium saucepan on medium heat.
Once melted, whisk in the flour until smooth and continue to cook until the flour turns a light golden color, about 2 minutes.
Meanwhile, warm milk over medium-high heat until simmering.
Slowly pour the milk into the butter-flour mixture, constantly whisking to prevent lumps.
Simmer, often stirring, until the mixture has thickened, about 15 minutes.
Season with salt and set aside.

Lasagna Preparation

Preheat oven to 450°F. Grease a 9-inch by a 13-inch baking dish with butter and set aside.
Heat a large pot of water until boiling. Add salt to season.
While the water boils vigorously, add one sheet of pasta at a time and cook until it floats to the surface, 10 to 15 seconds.
Carefully remove with a slotted spoon and plunge into a large bowl of ice water to stop further cooking.
Remove from the water when cool.

The Fun Part: Layering the Pasta Sheets

Lay pasta sheets out, being careful not to let them touch, on clean, damp kitchen towels.
Line the bottom of a prepared baking dish with a layer of pasta.
Spread evenly with 1½ cups of the Bolognese sauce, sprinkle some Parmigiano cheese lightly, and season with salt and pepper.
Add another layer of pasta, evenly spread 1½ cups of Besciamella sauce on the pasta, sprinkle lightly with cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
Repeat layers (you will have three layers of Bolognese sauce and 2 of Besciamella), ending with Bolognese sauce and Parmigiano.
Bake lasagna in the oven for 10 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 500°F and cook until the lasagna bubbles around the edges and browns on the top, about 5 to 7 minutes more. Do not overcook.
Allow lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

In conclusion, lasagna with besciamella (also known as Italian lasagna with béchamel) sauce is a classic Italian dish that will impress any crowd. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this delicious and satisfying meal will surely be a hit.

With its layers of pasta, flavorful filling, and creamy besciamella sauce, this dish is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try today!

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