Last Order Date For Christmas Delivery: Sunday 15th December
Ingredients
- MEAT SAUCE
- 450g Good quality minced beef (I used Highland Beef Mince)
- 1 x Onion, finely chopped
- 2 x Garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 2 x 400g Canned chopped tomatoes
- 4 x Tablespoons tomato puree
- 3 x Level teaspoons dried oregano
- 250ml Stock (beef or vegetable is best)
- 250ml Red wine
- 1 x Teaspoon sugar
- 1 x Handful freshly chopped basil
- Splash of olive oil
- Seasoning
- PASTA
- 375g pack dried egg lasagne ( you will use about 2/3 of pack)
- BECHAMEL SAUCE
- 60g Butter
- 60g Flour
- 550ml Semi skimmed or whole milk
- 50mls Double cream (optional)
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Seasoning
- 50g Parmesan cheese, finely grated
Introduction
A favourite family classic.Method
MEAT SAUCE
- Pre-heat oven to 150°C, Gas 2
- Brown meat with care on a moderately high heat, allowing caramelised flavours to develop and set aside
- Add olive oil to an oven proof pan on a moderate heat and sauté onion until it begins to soften
- Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes ensuring it does not brown
- Add browned minced beef to pan with onions and garlic along with chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, dried oregano, stock, wine, sugar and a little seasoning
- Bring to the boil stirring frequently, and turn off heat
- Fix lid tightly to pan and bake in oven for 2 ½ to 3 hours until a thick sauce forms
- Remove from oven, season if required and blend through fresh basil
BECHAMEL SAUCE
- Whilst meat sauce is in oven, prepare white sauce
- Add butter, flour and milk, to pan on a moderate heat
- Stir continuously on a moderate heat and bring to the boil. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce has thickened
- Turn off heat, add cream (optional) ground nutmeg, season and set aside ready for use
PUTTING IT TOGETHER
- Pre- heat oven to 180°C, Gas 4
- Spoon a layer of meat sauce onto base of dish, then béchamel sauce, then lasagne
- Repeat this process covering the lasagne with a final layer of béchamel sauce
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and bake in oven for 30 -35 minutes until gold and bubbling on top
Gaynor's Tip: This dish can be made well in advance and is a real family favourite. Perfect with crusty bread and a crisp green salad. An oven-able rectangular lasagne dish approximately 30cm x 22cm would be ideal.