This James Martin Lasagne recipe is a classic and hearty Italian dish that is loved by many. The recipe features layers of rich beef mince, savory tomato sauce, and creamy cheese sauce, all baked together to create a delicious and comforting meal. The combination of herbs and spices, along with the red and white wine, gives the dish a depth of flavor that will satisfy the taste buds. Whether you are cooking for a family dinner or a gathering of friends, this lasagne recipe will impress and become a favorite in your recipe collection. So, put on your apron and prepare a mouth-watering dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
James Martin Lasagne
Ingredients
- 500g beef mince
- 1 peeled and diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 400g can of chopped tomatoes
- 2tbs tomato puree
- Few sprigs thyme
- 200ml beef stock
- 100ml Red white wine
Cheese Sauce
- Cheese Sauce
- 50g butter
- 300ml double cream
- 12 lasagne sheets
- 200g grated cheddar cheese
- 2 balls mozzarella
- 50g plain flour
- 300ml milk
Procedure
- Set the oven to 200 degrees Celsius for preheating.
- To prepare the filling, sauté the beef, onion, garlic, and thyme until they achieve a golden brown hue.
- Pour stock, wine, and tomatoes over the top and allow to simmer gently for a duration of 30 minutes.
- To prepare the white sauce, commence by melting the butter in a pan. Proceed to incorporate the flour into the melted butter while whisking continuously. Allow the mixture to cook for a duration of 2 minutes to ensure the flour is adequately cooked.
- Combine the milk cream with half of the grated cheese and whisk together. Proceed to simmer the mixture until it reaches a bubbling consistency.
- Place one-third of the total amount of meat into the bottom of a generously-sized oven-proof dish.
- Layer lasagne on top and repeat this process two more times.
- Complete the surfacing by evenly distributing sauce across the top layer.
- Subsequently, incorporate the remaining cheese and mozzarella, and proceed to bake for a duration of 20 minutes.
Tips and tricks
Here are some tips for making James Martin’s Lasagne recipe:
- Choose high-quality ingredients for the best taste. Look for fresh, lean beef mince, ripe and juicy tomatoes, and quality cheese.
- Use a large oven-proof dish to ensure all the layers fit comfortably.
- Don’t skimp on the cooking time for the meat sauce. Allowing it to simmer for 30 minutes ensures that the flavors have time to meld together.
- When making the white sauce, whisk continuously to avoid lumps. Cooking the flour for a few minutes before adding the milk helps to ensure a smooth sauce.
- Use oven-ready lasagne sheets for convenience. If using regular lasagne sheets, be sure to boil them first before layering.
- Layer the lasagne sheets and meat sauce alternately for even distribution.
- Top the lasagne with the cheese sauce and sprinkle the remaining cheese and mozzarella on top for a delicious, gooey finish.
- Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps to set the layers and makes it easier to cut into portions.
These tips will help you create a delicious and satisfying James Martin Lasagne that your family and friends will love!
Serving suggestions for the James Martin Lasagne recipe
Side Salad:
A fresh green salad perfectly complements the rich and hearty lasagne. Try serving with a mixed green salad, dressed with a simple vinaigrette, or a tomato and mozzarella salad for some added freshness.
Garlic Bread:
Warm, crusty garlic bread is a classic side dish for any pasta dish, and lasagne is no exception. Serve with some garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
Roasted Vegetables:
Roasting seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers, is a great way to add extra nutrition and color to the meal. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then roast in the oven until tender and caramelized.
Wine Pairing:
Pair the lasagne with a glass of red wine, such as a Chianti or a Sangiovese, to make the meal even more special. The tannins in the wine will help cut through the richness of the meat and cheese.
Tiramisu:
For a sweet finish to the meal, try serving a classic Italian dessert such as Tiramisu. The creamy and rich layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream perfectly complement the savory lasagne.
Conclusion
The James Martin Lasagne recipe is a classic and delicious option for those who love hearty, comforting Italian dishes. The combination of sautéed beef, onions, garlic, and thyme, simmered in a mixture of stock, wine, and tomatoes, creates a flavorful filling that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce.
The recipe’s instructions are straightforward, allowing even novice cooks to create a delectable lasagne easily. The cheese sauce, made from butter, flour, milk, cream, and grated cheese, adds a rich and indulgent element. Adding mozzarella to the lasagne provides a gooey, melted topping that makes this dish all the more irresistible.
This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead. With its classic flavors and simple preparation, it is sure to become a go-to recipe in any home cook’s repertoire.
