Italian > Tuscan > Garfagnana > Lasagna

Pecorino della Garfagnana Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb lasagna noodles
- 2 cups Pecorino della Garfagnana cheese, grated
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Skillet for cooking beef and onion

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is tender. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, 1 cup of Pecorino della Garfagnana cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and parsley.
6. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
7. Layer noodles on top of the sauce, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture.
8. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.
9. Sprinkle remaining Pecorino della Garfagnana cheese on top of the lasagna.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
11. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
5. Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 609
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 160mg
Sodium: 1161mg
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 41g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Romano cheese.

Variations:
- Add spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a gluten-free version.
- Make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef and adding more vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the lasagna noodles al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make it easier to cut.
- Leftover lasagna can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Storage instructions:
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place a slice of lasagna on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the lasagna on a large platter and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Pecorino della Garfagnana cheese.

Garnishes:
Fresh parsley and grated Pecorino della Garfagnana cheese.

Pairings:
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Bruschetta

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more sauce or a little bit of water to the meat sauce.
- If the lasagna is too watery, make sure to drain the noodles well and use less sauce.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftover lasagna in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food history:
Pecorino della Garfagnana is a type of Italian cheese made from sheep's milk. It is named after the Garfagnana region in Tuscany, where it is produced. This cheese has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, and is often used in traditional Italian dishes like lasagna.

Flavor profiles:
This lasagna is rich and savory, with layers of meat sauce, cheese, and noodles. The Pecorino della Garfagnana cheese adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.

Serving suggestions:
Serve this lasagna as a main dish for a family dinner or special occasion.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Garlicky, Herby, Rich