Basic Lasagna
Basic Lasagna is a Italian classic for good reason — eggs does most of the work, and the method is approachable enough for a weeknight. A hot pan and a little patience give you the kind of colour and texture that makes this dish. Below you will find the full ingredient list, the method, and a few tips we think make the difference.
- Cook 1h
- Total 1h
- Serves 6
- Level Easy
Ingredients
- 6 Eggs, separated
- 2 cup Ricotta cheese OR shredded mozzarella cheese OR shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 pinch Salt
- ¼ tsp Freshly ground white pepper
- ½ cup Heavy Cream
- ~1000 g cooked lasagne noodles
- 1 0.5 cups Italian Tomato Sauce
Method
- In a large spotlessly clean stainless steel bowl, whip egg whites to stiff peaks and set aside.
- Combine egg yolks, cheese, salt, pepper, and heavy cream.
- Gently fold egg whites into cheese mixture.
- Lay half the cooked noodles in the bottom of a roasting pan. Add a layer of tomato sauce on top, then a layer of the cheese mixture. Repeat this step for a second layer of noodles/tomato/cheese. The last layer should be cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven, and let rest for 10 minutes. Serve.
Tips for the best Basic Lasagna
- Read the whole method before you start and measure out the 7 ingredients first — it keeps the pace relaxed once the heat is on.
- Rest the finished dish for a few minutes before serving — it lets the flavours settle and the texture firm up.
- Let the egg come up to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking so it cooks evenly.
- Taste as you go. Seasoning at the end is fine, but adjusting halfway through gives a more balanced result.
Variations
- Spicier version: add a pinch of chilli flakes or a sliced fresh chilli with the aromatics.
- Vegetable boost: stir in a handful of spinach, peas or diced peppers in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Swap the egg for silken tofu — keep the cooking time similar and check for doneness.
Serving ideas
Finish with a shaving of parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
Storage
Best eaten fresh. Leftovers keep covered in the fridge for 2 days; reheat in a hot pan or oven rather than the microwave to bring the crispness back.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make Basic Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes. It actually improves after a few hours, so make it earlier in the day and reheat gently before serving.
Is this Basic Lasagna recipe medium to make?
It is rated medium: 7 ingredients and 6 steps. Follow the order and the tips above and it is very forgiving.
What can I substitute for eggs?
Any ingredient with a similar texture and cooking time works; see the variations below for ideas. Keep quantities the same and adjust seasoning at the end.
How many people does this Basic Lasagna recipe serve?
As written it serves 6. The quantities scale up or down in a straight line, so double everything for 6×2.
How long does Basic Lasagna take to make?
About 1 hour in total — roughly under an hour of preparation and 1 hour of cooking.
Adapted from Wikibooks Cookbook, CC BY-SA 4.0 — source
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