How To Make Classic Italian Lasagna Recipe By Laura Vitale

Do you want to impress your family and friends with an authentic Italian dish? Look no further than Laura Vitale's classic Italian lasagna recipe. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to dinner parties with friends. However, if you're not familiar with Italian cuisine or lasagna, the recipe can seem daunting. But fear not, this tutorial will guide you through each step of the process and help you create a delicious meal.

The classic Italian lasagna recipe by Laura Vitale can be intimidating for some people. It requires precision in the preparation of the ingredients and the assembly of the dish. But once you've mastered the recipe, you'll be able to create a dish that is sure to impress your guests. This tutorial will help you understand the recipe, its ingredients, and how to prepare them.

The target of this tutorial is to help you create a classic Italian lasagna dish that is authentic, delicious, and easy to prepare. We will guide you through the recipe step-by-step, explaining each ingredient and how it contributes to the dish's flavor.

In summary, this tutorial will cover Laura Vitale's classic Italian lasagna recipe, its ingredients, and how to prepare them. We will explain each step of the process, from preparing the sauce to assembling the dish, to ensure that you can create a delicious and authentic Italian lasagna.

Ingredients for Classic Italian Lasagna Recipe by Laura Vitale

Before we dive into the recipe, let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need to make this classic Italian lasagna dish. You'll need:

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 pound of Italian sausage
• 1/2 cup of chopped onion
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
• 6-ounce can of tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 pound of lasagna noodles
• 15 ounces of ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 pound of mozzarella cheese, shredded

Now that you have all the ingredients, let's get started on the recipe.

Making the Sauce

The first step in making Laura Vitale's classic Italian lasagna recipe is preparing the sauce. Here's how:

1. In a large pot, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, parsley, basil, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir until the ingredients are combined.
3. Simmer the sauce for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Once the sauce is ready, you can start boiling the noodles.

Boiling the Noodles

While the sauce is simmering, you can start boiling the noodles. Here's how:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the lasagna noodles to the boiling water and cook them for 8-10 minutes, or until they are al dente.
3. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water.
4. Set the noodles aside until you're ready to assemble the lasagna.

Assembling the Lasagna

Now that you've prepared the sauce and boiled the noodles, it's time to assemble the lasagna. Here's how:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
4. Add a layer of lasagna noodles on top of the meat sauce. Make sure the noodles don't overlap.
5. Add a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the noodles.
6. Add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the ricotta cheese mixture.
7. Repeat steps 3-6 until all the ingredients are used up.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the lasagna for 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake the lasagna for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Question and Answer

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce up to two days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, you can substitute the mozzarella cheese for any other type of cheese that melts well, such as provolone or fontina.

Q: Can I freeze the lasagna?
A: Yes, you can freeze the lasagna before or after baking it. Wrap the lasagna tightly in foil and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw the lasagna in the refrigerator overnight and bake it according to the recipe.

Q: How can I make the lasagna vegetarian?
A: You can substitute the ground beef and Italian sausage with vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms. You can also use a vegetarian meat substitute, such as Beyond Meat or Quorn.

Conclusion of Classic Italian Lasagna Recipe by Laura Vitale

Now that you know how to make Laura Vitale's classic Italian lasagna recipe, you can impress your family and friends with an authentic Italian dish. Remember to follow the recipe step-by-step, and don't be afraid to make substitutions or changes to suit your taste. With a little practice, you'll be able to create a delicious and flavorful lasagna that your guests will love.