Italian sports are often overlooked when discussing their achievements. For centuries Italy has been known for its historic triumphs in the arts when it has a long-standing sporting tradition. Top favourites are auto racing, soccer, fencing and rugby, to name a few. Rugby may not be as popular as soccer in Italy, but the international rugby team has been competing since the end of the 1920s, this includes but is not limited to the Rugby World Cup. Now you can place your bets on the Italian Rugby team in the Junior World Championships as they play against Ireland. Another element Italy has become renowned for is their delectably tasty, mouth-watering, flavoursome cuisine which you can now enjoy too, made from the love and warmth of your very own kitchen.
Mamma Mia, it’s Lasagna.
This meal serves four with total preparation time, from the kitchen to table, of 3 hours. It is neither super hard or super easy to make, so read the recipe carefully but have fun while cooking the Italian way. This lasagne combines the signature Italian ingredients of tomato, basil and parmesan.
A Saucy Start
- Four slices of bacon
- Two chopped medium onions
- Two crushed garlic cloves
- Two finely chopped celery sticks
- Olive oil
- 500g ground lamb
- Two finely diced carrots
- Two tins of tomatoes (skins removed and chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup freshly picked and chopped basil
In a hot pan add the bacon and drizzle olive oil over it, let this fry for a little while and then add the garlic making it all chip until it is crispy golden brown. Now add all the vegetables, excluding the tomatoes, keep cooking this until everything is soft. After the vegetables have softened add the remaining ingredients (parmesan must be kept for last), stirring well and bringing the mixture to the boil then add the salt and pepper. This is your Bolognese sauce, reduce the heat and let it simmer for an hour and a half, adding the parmesan
- The Layers
- The above Bolognese sauce
- 250gr Pasta Sheets
- 500ml fresh cream, whipped
- 100g grated Parmesan cheese
First things first, put on the oven, 200°C, as your dish must be added to a preheated oven. In an oven, safe casserole dish, spread a layer of your homemade Bolognese sauce, onto this place the lasagna sheets side by side with whipped cream spread on top. Season the creamy layer with salt and pepper. Repeat the pattern, again and again, ending with a layer of whipped cream topped with the grated parmesan. Drizzle with a little more olive oil and cover the casserole dish with tin foil, placing it into your preheated oven for 30 minutes after which you remove the tin foil and bake for 20 more minutes. Serve this meal hot with a bottomless glass of dry red wine.