I was searching the cupboards and fridge for inspiration as to what to make. And seeing as it's after Christmas, we have half used this and that knocking about. I decided on a nice simple Lasagne .
Although the ingredients used perhaps would not be in the quantities I would usually do, it worked very well and was probably one of the most delicious Lasagne's I've made in a long time.
For this I used...
Half carton passata (approx 150g)
2 large tomatoes
1tsp Sea Salt
1tsp Black Pepper
1tsp Sugar
1tbs Dried herbs
Drizzle Olive oil
Squeeze tomato purée
Small pack of Turkey mince (500g)
1 clove Garlic
Drizzle of Olive oil
Knob of butter
Plain flour
3/4 pint whole milk
2oz strong cheddar cheese
Lasagne sheets
Cheese for topping
1- Preheat the oven to Gas6
2- Chop your tomatoes into small chunks, add to a pan with a little olive oil, and add in the sugar, salt and pepper. Cook down until the tomatoes have softened and reduced slightly.
3- While the tomatoes are cooking off, heat a little oil in anther pan and add in the garlic clove, chopped finely, and the turkey mince. Cook until browned slightly.
4- Add the passata to the tomato reduction and in this instance I added a little tomato purée to thicken and add a richer flavour.
5- Combine the tomato sauce with the browned mince, add the herbs and simmer for a few minutes and set aside.
6- For the beautiful cheesy white sauce, melt a knob of butter in a pan on the stove.
Add plain flour a little at a time, mixing continuously with a whisk, until the butter and flour mixture creates a stiff paste.
7- Add the milk to the paste mixture, again a little at a time, and whisking continuously.
Bring up to the boil.
8- You should notice your white sauce is beginning to thicken as the mixture heats.
Add in your grated cheese and keep mixing until all cheese has melted and sauce is a nice thick silky consistency and set aside.
9- Now you are ready to construct your Lasagne. Layer up in the way you would usually.
I tend to go for tomato/meat mixture. Layer of lasagne sheets. White sauce. Layer of lasagne sheets. Tomato/meat mixture. Etc etc until your chosen dish is full to the top, ensuring your white sauce is on top.
10- Sprinkle with remaining cheese and cook in the middle of the oven for 30-40 minutes depending on the the depth of the dish.
I like it to be served as it is, with a little rocket salad and balsamic vinegar.
I hope you enjoy this quick and easy recipe as much as I do.
Happy eating.
Hannah xx
Is a 'knob of butter' a technical term? ;)
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