Lasagna with Bolognese Meat Sauce
- 3 cups hot milk
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 each teaspoon salt and ground white pepper
- Gently heat the milk over a low flame but do not boil.
- While the milk is heating put the butter into a sauce pot and slowly melt over low heat.
- When the butter is melted whisk in the flour gradually to avoid lumps and gently cook this roux.
- Using a wire whisk, very slowly begin to pour the hot milk into the roux, a little at a time.
- Avoid lumps by going very slowly.
- When all the milk has been added, add the seasoning, turn the heat very low and cook for 20 minutes.
- When finished allow to cool somewhat before using in the lasagna recipe.
- For the Bolognese sauce: 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons butter 1 small onion, chopped 1/2 cup chopped celery 1/2 cup finely chopped carrot 1 pound ground beef Salt and pepper 1/2 cup dry white wine 2 cups canned plum tomatoes, seeds removed and roughly chopped 1 cup water
- Heat the oil and butter together, over low heat, in a heavy bottomed pot.
- Add the onion, celery and carrot and cook until wilted.
- Add the meat and, breaking up the meat with a fork or spoon, cook gently and stirring frequently.
- Season the meat with salt and pepper, add the wine and allow the wine to cook completely down to almost dry before adding the tomatoes and water.
- Adjust the heat to a slow simmer and, being careful not to cook too rapidly, cook the meat and tomato sauce for between 3 to 4 hours.
- Stir frequently to avoid scorching the bottom of the pot and keep an eye on this simmering pot.
- When the sauce has cooked for several hours and the excess water has cooked off, remove from the heat and allow to cool before assembling the lasagna.
- For the pasta: 2 pounds fresh pasta sheets, cut into strips 4 by 17 inches 12 quarts water in a large pot suitable in which to cook the pasta 2 tablespoons salt A large bowl of water with ice cubes to cool the pasta 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus additional grated cheese
- Bring the 12 quarts water to the boil.
- Before cooking the pasta have all the equipment and ice water ready for the cooking and chilling process.
- Add the salt to the pasta pot, reboil and begin to blanch or parcook the pasta in batches.
- Cook each batch for 2 to 3 minutes in rapidly boiling water before using a large wire strainer to scoop out the cooked pasta, submerge in the ice water and then resume cooking another batch of pasta using the same method.
- Small bathes ensure uniform cooking and cooling.
- When the pasta sheets have cooled in 1 or 2 minutes, remove them from the water and place them on paper towels to dry.
- When all the pasta has been cooked in this manner the lasagna may be assembled.
- To assemble and bake the lasagna:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Spread some bechamel on the bottom of the baking pan.
- Top with a layer of pasta sheets.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on top of the pasta, top with a layer of bechamel, evenly sprinkle on some grated Parmigiano cheese and top with another single layer of pasta.
- Do this layering process until all of the ingredients have been used and making sure that the final and top layer is bechamel sauce with Parmigiano sprinkled on.
- When the baking dish is completely filled the lasagna is ready to be baked.
- Place into the oven and bake for 45 minutes until the top has browned and the edges are crispy.
hot milk, butter, flour, salt
Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/lasagna-with-bolognese-meat-sauce-recipe.html (may not work)