Lasagne

 

Its been a windy evening and thought its a perfect time to make something warm and cheesy.  I have had these lasagne sheets lying in my pantry for a couple of months now, so finally decided to make use of them.   

The first time I had tasted homemade lasagne was at my friend Alice's place on the Gold Coast.   We had spent 3 weeks with Alice, Kevin and their daughter Kristen who was about a year old then.   I remember  devouring it after spending a great day at the beach, walking up and down the shops selling colourful beach wear and accessories.  The long stretch of beach looked vibrant and bright.   Back home although we were tired Alice quickly fixed us this yummy lasagne.  Here is what I made keeping Alice's lasagne in mind and going through various recipes online.  This turned out just as yummy. So here is the recipe for my Lasagne.

Ingredients

250g lasagne sheets, cooked

For the meat sauce
2 tbsp oil
1 onion chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
500g beef mince
100g mushrooms, slice
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 cup tomato puree
1 tbsp oregano
1/2 tsp basil
1 tsp sugar
salt & pepper to taste

For the cheese sauce
50g butter
2 tbsp plain flour
1 1/2 cup milk
3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
salt & pepper to taste

Meat Sauce :  Heat oil in a large frying pan and add the onion and galic.Cook until golden then add meat and brown well on high flame.  Add mushrooms, tomatoes and the rest of the ingedients.  Bing to boil then reduce the heat.  Let it simmer for 45 minutes until the mixture has thickened slightly stiring occasionally.  Set aside to cool.

Cheese Sauce :  Melt butter in a saucepan and add flour and cook until frothy.  Gadually add milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to a saucy consistency.  Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese.  Season with salt and pepper.  Cover with cling wrap touching the surface so no skin is formed.  Set aside to cool.

Place half the lasgne sheets in a greaseproof dish.  Spread with half the meat mixture and half the cheese sauce.  Repeat the layers ending with the lasagne sheets on top.  Sprinkle with parmesan and cook at 180C for 20-25 mins or until the top is golden.