Before diving into Jamie Oliver’s lasagne, let’s think about what complements such a decadent dish. A side salad with crunchy greens and perhaps a tangy balsamic vinaigrette adds freshness. Crusty garlic bread is a classic; it provides the perfect vessel for sopping up extra sauce. For drinks, a robust red wine, like Chianti or a smoother Merlot, pairs beautifully. If you’re feeling more adventurous, a light-bodied beer can also work wonders, especially one brewed with a hint of citrus.
Lasagne has a unique charm. It’s a dish that warms the soul, perfect for gatherings or a comforting meal on a chilly evening. When I think of lasagne, two names pop into my head: Italy and Jamie Oliver. Known for his accessible and delicious recipes, Jamie takes this classic dish to another level. He emphasizes quality ingredients and traditional techniques but makes it easy enough for any home cook. So, let’s get ready to explore Jamie Oliver’s lasagne recipe.
What is Jamie Oliver’s Lasagne?
Jamie Oliver’s lasagne is a harmonious blend of rich meat sauce, creamy white sauce, and layers of tender pasta. He elevates this recipe by using ethically sourced meat and fresh vegetables. Each layer tells a story, from the aromatic sauce simmering on the stove to the bubbling cheese on top. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience.
How Does It Taste Like?
Imagine a bite of perfectly cooked pasta, enveloped in a savory meat sauce. The freshness of rosemary meets the richness of pork and beef. The white sauce adds a creamy texture, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes. Finally, the melted cheese creates that heavenly, stretchy pull with each forkful.
Why You’ll Love This
- Versatile: You can customize it. Swap in your favorite veggies or cheeses.
- Satisfying: This dish is filling. It’s the kind of meal that sticks to your ribs and keeps you happy.
- Crowd Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a get-together with friends, it never fails to impress.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare it in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully before baking.
Ingredients
To whip up Jamie Oliver’s lasagne, you’ll need the following:
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 100g high-quality smoked streaky bacon
- A splash of olive oil
- 1kg premium minced beef
- 1kg ethically sourced minced pork
- 4 carrots, peeled and diced
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 2 generous tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 x 400g cans of plum tomatoes
- 350g dried lasagna sheets
For the White Sauce:
- 2 medium leeks, cleaned and sliced
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 liter semi-skimmed milk
- 150g sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 whole nutmeg, freshly grated
- 2 fresh bay leaves
- 1 cup of red wine
Step-by-Step Directions
Let’s break down the process of creating this stellar lasagne. Follow these steps for the best results.
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions, followed by the minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant. Next, throw in the bacon, letting it crisp slightly.
Once the bacon is golden, add the minced beef and pork. Cook until browned, breaking the meat into smaller pieces with a spoon. This will take about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Seasoning
Now, add the diced carrots and chopped celery. Cook for another five minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to caramelize for a couple of minutes.
Next, pour in the cans of plum tomatoes and the cup of red wine, mixing everything together. Toss in the rosemary and bring the pot to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 45 minutes. This simmering time helps deepen the flavors while you can enjoy the aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Step 3: Make the White Sauce
While the meat sauce simmers, let’s make that creamy white sauce. In a separate saucepan, add the sliced leeks with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook until softened, about five minutes.
Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly for a minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens. This should take about 10 minutes.
Remove from heat, then stir in the cheddar cheese, freshly grated nutmeg, and bay leaves. Set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagne
Grab a large baking dish. Start with a layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of lasagna sheets. Next, spread a layer of your white sauce. Repeat these layers, finishing with a generous layer of meat sauce on top. Make sure to leave room for the cheese topping.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). If you like, sprinkle more cheese on top for an extra cheesy crust. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, resist the urge to dive in immediately. Let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. This makes serving easier and allows flavors to settle.
Tips On Making Jamie Oliver’s Lasagne Recipe
Here are some tips to ensure your lasagne is a hit:
- Choose Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the dish. Look for high-quality meats and fresh vegetables.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps maintain structure. Slices will hold better.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t shy away from adding spices or herbs that reflect your taste. A dash of paprika, for example, can be intriguing.
- Use Fresh Pasta Sheets: If available, fresh lasagna sheets can create a lovely texture.
- Make it Ahead: Assemble the lasagne a few hours before baking. It’ll taste even more flavorful.
Nutrition Information
How Do You Store This Jamie Oliver Lasagne?
If you have leftovers (which can be a blessing), store your lasagne in airtight containers. It will last about three to four days in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 180°C (350°F) until heated through.
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Jamie Oliver’s Lasagne Recipe?
Here are some suitable substitutes to consider:
- Vegan Mince: For a plant-based option, use a vegan ground meat substitute. It’ll still keep the dish hearty.
- Spinach: Spinach can replace some of the meat layers. Just sauté it before adding to reduce moisture.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb twist, substitute traditional pasta with thinly sliced zucchini.
- Cream Cheese: If you prefer a richer white sauce, cream cheese can be added to the sauce for a creamy texture.
- Grated Mozzarella: Swap the sharp cheddar for mozzarella for a gooey, stretchy topping.
Jamie Oliver Lasagne Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions, followed by the minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant. Next, throw in the bacon, letting it crisp slightly.
- Once the bacon is golden, add the minced beef and pork. Cook until browned, breaking the meat into smaller pieces with a spoon. This will take about 10 minutes.
- Now, add the diced carrots and chopped celery. Cook for another five minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to caramelize for a couple of minutes.
- Next, pour in the cans of plum tomatoes and the cup of red wine, mixing everything together. Toss in the rosemary and bring the pot to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 45 minutes. This simmering time helps deepen the flavors while you can enjoy the aroma wafting through your kitchen.
- While the meat sauce simmers, let’s make that creamy white sauce. In a separate saucepan, add the sliced leeks with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook until softened, about five minutes.
- Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly for a minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens. This should take about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat, then stir in the cheddar cheese, freshly grated nutmeg, and bay leaves. Set aside.
- Grab a large baking dish. Start with a layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of lasagna sheets. Next, spread a layer of your white sauce. Repeat these layers, finishing with a generous layer of meat sauce on top. Make sure to leave room for the cheese topping.
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). If you like, sprinkle more cheese on top for an extra cheesy crust. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Once out of the oven, resist the urge to dive in immediately. Let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. This makes serving easier and allows flavors to settle.
Nutrition
Notes
- Choose Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the dish. Look for high-quality meats and fresh vegetables.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps maintain structure. Slices will hold better.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t shy away from adding spices or herbs that reflect your taste. A dash of paprika, for example, can be intriguing.
- Use Fresh Pasta Sheets: If available, fresh lasagna sheets can create a lovely texture.
- Make it Ahead: Assemble the lasagne a few hours before baking. It’ll taste even more flavorful.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Jamie Oliver’s lasagne recipe is more than just food; it’s comfort, joy, and nourishment wrapped in tender pasta layers. The delightful mix of flavors combined with the creaminess of the sauces makes each forkful a cheerful experience. Whether it’s a hearty family meal or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress. As we gather around the table with those we love, let’s savor each bite and share stories, laughs, and a sprinkle of joy. Prepare to fall in love with lasagne all over again!