How to Make Lasagna from Scratch
January 6, 2012
•Le Cordon Bleu
•Le Cordon Bleu
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How to Make Lasagna from Scratch
The pride of Italy has long been the pride of the United States. Italian food, lasagna especially, is a staple in most households and on many restaurant menus. Why do we love lasagna so much? Perhaps it’s the wonderful combination of ingredients that provides the perfect taste and texture, or maybe it’s the heavenly aroma permeating the kitchen air when it’s in the oven. Whatever its appeal, making homemade lasagna is far easier than you might imagine. Follow this step by step guide to making your own lasagna and you will have a whole new appreciation for the culinary arts.
And don’t be scared, when we say “from scratch” we don’t mean making your own noodles – you may want to save that culinary technique lesson for another day!
Step 1: First begin gathering all your ingredients.
You will need the following -
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove halved
16 ounce can of tomato sauce
salt to taste
1 box traditional lasagna noodles
10 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
9 ounces grated Parmesan
12 ounces ricotta cheese
Step 2: Add olive oil to the bottom of a sauté pan, bring it to heat on medium. Next add the garlic and allow to sauté on medium to medium low until the garlic begins to turn slightly iridescent. You want to take care not to allow the garlic to burn or the flavor of the oil and the garlic changes to an unpleasant taste.
Step 3: Once the garlic is ready, carefully add the can of tomato sauce to the mixture and stir together, allowing the ingredients to combine and heat together. Once they are well stirred, add the basil leaves and stir thoroughly once more. Turn the heat to low and cover. Simmer for 25 minutes to a half an hour.
Step 4: Fill a pot with enough water to boil the noodles in. Add salt and once at a boil, submerse the uncooked noodles. Take care not to break them and also make sure they do not stick together. When ready, the noodles should be slightly al dente as they will cook the rest of the way in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
Step 5: Begin preparing the lasagna dish. A glass baking dish, like Pyrex, is often most desirable. Be sure to coat the bottom with cooking spray before adding any contents.
Step 6: Once the noodles are done, lay them flat across the bottom of the glass, coat with sauce and sprinkle the different cheeses on top. Repeat the process until all the noodles are gone and add the remaining cheese to the top.
Step 7: Cover with tin foil and place in the oven, allowing it to cook for 20 to 25 minutes. If you have a light in your oven you can watch for bubbling and make sure that the lasagna is not burning.
Step 8: Remove, uncover and allow the dish to stand 15 minutes before enjoying your tasty dinner! You are now well versed in the culinary techniques necessary for making one heck of a lasagna!
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