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8 Tips to Prepare Lasagna Like a Pro

By Gretel Morales - 2022-04-20T10:59:51Z

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According to the University of Bologna, lasagna originated in Italy during the Middle Ages. Thanks to a poem published in 1282, we know about the origin of this iconic Italian dish, but the recipe for the original lasagna was not published until the early 14th century.

In the Liber de coquina, the medieval cookbook where the first lasagna recipe appears, this Italian dish was prepared with sheets of fermented dough, which were boiled and accompanied with spices and cheese. Years later, cooks began to modify the ingredients until they obtained the lasagna recipe we know today.

Although lasagna has transformed over the centuries, it remains a recipe that cannot be missing from your repertoire, as it is ideal for sharing, easy to prepare, and also very versatile, since it doesn't matter if you eat meat or vegetables, there are lasagnas for all tastes!

If you want to learn how to prepare the best Bolognese lasagna, vegetable lasagna, or chicken lasagna, at kiwilimón we have the best tips to cook it like an expert, as well as the best step-by-step recipes, you will be surprised how easy it is to make a lasagna!

You can also read: 9 tips to prepare the best Bolognese sauce

How to make the best lasagna?

Lasagna is a classic dish and easy to prepare; however, the secret behind this traditional Italian recipe is finding the balance between flavor and texture, so don't forget to pay attention to the small details. Now you know, preparing an incredible lasagna in no time is possible with the 8 tips that kiwilimón has for you.

1. Fresh and high-quality ingredients

Remember that your lasagna will taste best if you use high-quality ingredients, as well as fresh meat, cheese, and spices.

2. Cook the pasta sheets

Since the lasagna will be baked for about an hour in the oven, it is not necessary to cook the pasta 100% beforehand, as it will be enough to boil the pasta sheets for 5 minutes so you can handle them. If you cook several sheets at once, you can place them on a tray and drizzle them with a little oil so they don't stick, allowing you to assemble the lasagna without any problems.

3. Two meats are better than one

If you are going to prepare Bolognese lasagna, it is best to prepare the sauce with two types of meat: beef and pork, as the combination of flavors and the fat that both contribute will give the perfect touch to the Bolognese sauce. The recommendation is to use half of each type of meat.

4. Add the cheese you like the most

Most lasagna recipes include mozzarella, parmesan, or ricotta cheese, but you can substitute it for the cheese you like the most or that fits your budget. You can choose from manchego, Oaxaca, cottage cheese, Chihuahua, or any other.

You can also read: Tips to prevent your pasta from breaking

5. Add béchamel sauce

Although béchamel sauce is French, it is perfect for lasagna, as its creaminess and flavor combine perfectly with the acidity of the tomato.

6. The sauce goes first

Although it is common to start assembling the lasagna with pasta sheets, it is actually better to put a layer of lasagna sauce first, as this way the pasta won't stick and burn.

7. Don't forget to cover the dish!

Before baking your meat or vegetarian lasagna, it is very important to cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. You can uncover it once it is well cooked to let the cheese gratin.

8. Let it rest

Once the lasagna is well cooked and the cheese is nicely browned, let it rest for about 10 to 15 minutes, this will help the lasagna keep its shape and not fall apart when cutting.

You can also read: 10 easy recipes to make lasagna

Our best lasagna recipes

Now that you know these tips to cook this Italian classic like an expert, feel free to prepare the great variety of lasagnas with meat, chicken, and vegetarian options that kiwilimón has for you, you won't regret it!