Chef Bihi Lasagna with Mortadella Bologna IGP / Endives / Béchamel
Are you ready to embark on a delicious journey to Italy? What could be better than a warm, comforting lasagna made with authentic Mortadella Bologna IGP? This dish brings together the delicate flavors of endives and a creamy béchamel that will have your taste buds dancing with joy!
Recipe Information
- Servings: 4-6
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Difficulty: Medium
Ingredients
- 2 packages of fresh lasagna sheets
- 150 g (5.3 oz) of Parmesan cheese, grated
- 8 endives
- 600 ml (2.5 cups) of milk
- 50 g (3.5 tbsp) of butter + a bit extra for sautéing the endives
- 50 g (1/3 cup) of flour
- 6 slices of Mortadella Bologna IGP
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fleur de sel to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Slice the endives in half lengthwise and then cut them into thin strips.
- In a hot skillet, melt a bit of butter and sauté the endives until they begin to caramelize. Add the brown sugar and remove from heat once done.
- To prepare the béchamel, melt the butter in a saucepan, add the flour, and mix well. Gradually pour in the cold milk, stirring continually.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- In a lasagna dish, spread a little béchamel on the bottom.
- Layer the lasagna sheets, followed by endives, a little béchamel, and slices of Mortadella. Repeat this process 2-3 times.
- Finish by sprinkling with additional grated Parmesan and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes.
Notes
This dish can be made ahead of time and baked later. Just refrigerate and bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Recipe Tips
- For a richer flavor, consider using homemade béchamel sauce.
- Try adding a layer of spinach or any other green vegetable for added nutrients.
- Ensure not to overload the layers; it can make the lasagna difficult to cut.
Nutritional Information
Calories per serving: approximately 600 kcal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I substitute Mortadella with another type of meat?
- Yes, you can use ham or turkey as alternatives, but the unique flavor of Mortadella will be different.
- Do I have to boil the lasagna sheets before assembling?
- Using fresh lasagna sheets allows you to skip this step, but if using dried sheets, it’s recommended to pre-cook them.
- Can I freeze the lasagna after baking?
- Yes, you can freeze it. Just ensure it is well-covered to prevent freezer burn.
- What can I serve with lasagna?
- A side salad and garlic bread complement this dish beautifully!
- How can I make the béchamel sauce healthier?
- You can use low-fat milk and less butter to reduce calories while still making a delicious béchamel.
