Lasagna, a classic Italian dish, has been a staple of family dinners and special occasions for generations. While traditional lasagna recipes are delicious, Mary Berry’s lasagna recipe offers a unique twist that sets it apart from the rest. In this article, we’ll explore the history of lasagna, the key ingredients and techniques used in Mary Berry’s recipe, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to make this mouth-watering dish.
A Brief History of Lasagna
Lasagna, also known as lasagne, has its roots in ancient Greece and Rome, where people used to layer cooked pasta with meat and vegetables. However, the modern version of lasagna originated in Italy during the Middle Ages. The dish was initially made with wide, flat noodles called “lasanum” or “lasanon,” which were cooked in a wood-fired oven with layers of meat, vegetables, and cheese.
Over time, lasagna spread throughout Italy and eventually around the world, with different regions and cultures adapting the recipe to their own tastes and ingredients. Today, lasagna remains a beloved dish, with countless variations and interpretations.
Mary Berry’s Lasagna Recipe: What Sets it Apart
Mary Berry, a renowned British chef and television presenter, has put her own spin on the classic lasagna recipe. Her version features a unique combination of ingredients and techniques that set it apart from traditional recipes. Some of the key elements that make Mary Berry’s lasagna recipe special include:
- A rich and flavorful meat sauce: Mary Berry’s recipe uses a combination of ground beef and pork to create a rich and flavorful meat sauce. The sauce is simmered for at least an hour to develop a deep, intense flavor.
- A creamy bechamel sauce: In addition to the meat sauce, Mary Berry’s recipe features a creamy bechamel sauce made with butter, flour, and milk. The bechamel sauce adds a rich and creamy texture to the dish.
- A blend of cheeses: Mary Berry’s recipe uses a combination of Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta cheese to create a creamy and flavorful cheese sauce.
- Fresh herbs and spices: The recipe includes a variety of fresh herbs and spices, including basil, oregano, and nutmeg, which add depth and complexity to the dish.
Key Ingredients and Techniques
To make Mary Berry’s lasagna recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 500g minced beef
- 250g minced pork
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of red wine
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of bechamel sauce (see below for recipe)
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Fresh oregano leaves, chopped
- Nutmeg to taste
In addition to the ingredients, you’ll need to master a few key techniques to make Mary Berry’s lasagna recipe. These include:
- Browning the meat: To create a rich and flavorful meat sauce, it’s essential to brown the meat properly. This involves cooking the meat in a hot pan until it’s nicely browned, then adding the aromatics and simmering the sauce for at least an hour.
- Making the bechamel sauce: The bechamel sauce is a critical component of Mary Berry’s lasagna recipe. To make the sauce, you’ll need to melt butter and flour in a pan, then slowly add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Assembling the lasagna: To assemble the lasagna, you’ll need to layer the meat sauce, bechamel sauce, and cheese sauce in a specific order. This involves spreading a layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish, followed by a layer of bechamel sauce, then a layer of cheese sauce, and so on.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry’s Lasagna Recipe
Now that we’ve covered the key ingredients and techniques, it’s time to dive into the step-by-step guide to making Mary Berry’s lasagna recipe. Here’s what you need to do:
- Brown the meat: Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add the minced beef and pork. Cook until the meat is nicely browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the aromatics: Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the pan. Cook until the vegetables are softened, then add the diced tomatoes, red wine, beef broth, and tomato paste. Stir to combine, then bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for at least an hour, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make the bechamel sauce: In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is lightly golden. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until it thickens, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the lasagna: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 20x30cm baking dish. Top with a layer of bechamel sauce, followed by a layer of cheese sauce (see below for recipe). Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with a layer of cheese sauce on top.
- Bake the lasagna: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Cheese Sauce Recipe
To make the cheese sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Fresh oregano leaves, chopped
- Nutmeg to taste
To make the cheese sauce, simply combine the Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta cheese in a bowl. Add the beaten egg and mix until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and nutmeg to taste.
Tips and Variations
While Mary Berry’s lasagna recipe is delicious on its own, there are several tips and variations you can try to make the dish your own. Here are a few ideas:
- Add some spice: If you like a little heat in your lasagna, you can add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapenos to the meat sauce.
- Use different types of cheese: While Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta are the classic cheeses used in lasagna, you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as goat cheese or feta.
- Add some freshness: A sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano can add a bright, freshness to the dish.
- Make it vegetarian: If you’re a vegetarian, you can substitute the meat sauce with a vegetarian alternative, such as a mushroom or eggplant sauce.
In conclusion, Mary Berry’s lasagna recipe is a delicious twist on a classic Italian dish. With its rich and flavorful meat sauce, creamy bechamel sauce, and blend of cheeses, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients. So why not give it a try and see what you think?
What makes Mary Berry’s lasagna recipe unique?
Mary Berry’s lasagna recipe is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish, and what makes it unique is the combination of flavors and ingredients used. The recipe features a rich and creamy bechamel sauce, a flavorful meat ragu, and a blend of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. The addition of fresh basil and a sprinkle of nutmeg adds a bright and warm note to the dish.
The recipe also uses a combination of ground beef and pork, which gives the ragu a depth of flavor and texture. The use of red wine and tomato paste adds a richness and intensity to the sauce, while the bechamel sauce provides a creamy and velvety texture. Overall, Mary Berry’s lasagna recipe is a unique and delicious take on the classic Italian dish.
What ingredients do I need to make Mary Berry’s lasagna recipe?
To make Mary Berry’s lasagna recipe, you will need a variety of ingredients, including ground beef and pork, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, red wine, tomato paste, canned tomatoes, bechamel sauce, lasagna noodles, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. You will also need olive oil, salt, and pepper to season the dish.
In addition to these ingredients, you will also need a few pantry staples, such as flour, butter, and milk, to make the bechamel sauce. You can also customize the recipe to your taste by adding other ingredients, such as spinach or mushrooms, to the ragu or bechamel sauce.
How do I make the bechamel sauce for Mary Berry’s lasagna recipe?
To make the bechamel sauce for Mary Berry’s lasagna recipe, you will need to melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, you can add flour and whisk it into the butter to make a roux. Cook the roux for a few minutes, until it is lightly golden and has a nutty aroma.
Next, you can slowly add milk to the saucepan, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook it until it thickens, stirring occasionally. Remove the sauce from the heat and season it with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. You can also add grated cheese to the bechamel sauce to give it an extra burst of flavor.
Can I make Mary Berry’s lasagna recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Mary Berry’s lasagna recipe ahead of time. In fact, the recipe is perfect for making ahead, as the flavors will meld together and the dish will become even more delicious after a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. To make the recipe ahead of time, simply assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it.
You can also freeze the lasagna for up to 3 months. To freeze the lasagna, assemble it and place it in a freezer-safe dish or container. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and label it with the date and contents. When you are ready to bake the lasagna, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake it according to the recipe instructions.
How do I serve Mary Berry’s lasagna recipe?
Mary Berry’s lasagna recipe is a hearty and satisfying dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish. To serve the lasagna, simply slice it into individual portions and place it on a plate or serving platter. You can serve the lasagna hot, straight from the oven, or at room temperature.
You can also serve the lasagna with a variety of sides, such as a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great way to cut the richness of the lasagna, while garlic bread or roasted vegetables add a satisfying crunch and flavor to the dish.
Can I customize Mary Berry’s lasagna recipe to my taste?
Yes, you can customize Mary Berry’s lasagna recipe to your taste. The recipe is a great base that can be modified to suit your preferences and dietary needs. For example, you can add other ingredients to the ragu, such as spinach or mushrooms, to give it extra flavor and nutrition.
You can also customize the bechamel sauce by adding different types of cheese or herbs to it. For example, you can add grated cheddar or parmesan cheese to the bechamel sauce for an extra burst of flavor, or you can add fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to give it a bright and fresh note.
Is Mary Berry’s lasagna recipe suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
No, Mary Berry’s lasagna recipe is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans, as it contains ground beef and pork. However, you can easily modify the recipe to make it vegetarian or vegan by substituting the meat with alternative ingredients, such as mushrooms or eggplant.
To make the recipe vegetarian, you can simply omit the ground beef and pork and add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms or spinach, to the ragu. To make the recipe vegan, you can substitute the cheese with vegan alternatives, such as soy cheese or tofu, and use a vegan bechamel sauce made with plant-based milk and vegan butter.