Lasagne

Meat Bible p83

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

To make the meat sauce, heat the oil in a small pan.

Step 2

Stir in the onion, cover with a piece of greaseproof paper and a lid and cook gently until softened, about 10 minutes.

Step 3

Remove the lid and the paper, stir in the garlic and cook for a further minute.

Step 4

Set aside.

Step 5

2 In a sauté pan heat enough oil to cover the bottom thinly.

Step 6

Brown the minced beef in two or three batches, deglazing with the wine in between batches.

Step 7

Return the browned meat to the sauté pan and sprinkle over the flour.

Step 8

Cook, stirring over medium heat, for a couple of minutes to cook the flour.

Step 9

4 Stir in the stock, deglaçage, parsley, marjoram, cinnamon and tomato purée.

Step 10

Season, then turn the heat down so that the mixture just simmers.

Step 11

Cover with a lid and cook for 1 hour, or until the meat is tender.

Step 12

Allow to cool to room temperature.

Step 13

To make the cream sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan.

Step 14

Remove from the heat and stir in the flour to make a smooth paste.

Step 15

Add the bay leaf then return to the heat and cook,

Step 16

stirring, for i minute.

Step 17

Remove from the heat.

Step 18

Gradually stir in the milk to make a smooth sauce then return to the heat.

Step 19

Bring to the boil, stirring continuously.

Step 20

Simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 21

Season to taste with salt, pepper and nutmeg.

Step 22

Remove the bay leaf.

Step 23

If the lasagne is being prepared in advance, allow to cool to room temperature.

Step 24

Cook the pasta, if required, according the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 25

Otherwise, roll out the fresh pasta and cut into rectangles measuring about 20 x 10 cm.

Step 26

Place a thin layer of the meat sauce in an ovenproof lasagne dish.

Step 27

Cover with a layer of pasta then spoon over a layer of meat sauce.

Step 28

Cover with a layer of cream sauce.

Step 29

Continue layering in this order finishing with a layer of pasta, then cream sauce.

Step 30

Sprinkle over the Parmesan.

Step 31

To bake, heat the oven to 190°C/375°F/gas mark s.

Step 32

Bake for about 30 minutes or until bubbling and well browned on top.