Lasagna 101

Lasagna 101

Everyone loves lasagna. It’s one of those recipes you need to know how to make. There are many variations of lasagna, but this recipe is classic.

Prep 35 min Cook 45 minutes Makes 7+ servings

Ingredients

2 Tbsp of olive oil

1 yellow onion, diced

1 Tbsp of minced garlic

1-2 lbs of ground beef

3 links of Italian sausage, removed from casing

1- 15 oz container of ricotta cheese

2 cups of parmesan cheese, grated

2 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

2 eggs

1- 8 oz package of oven-ready lasagna noodles

salt and pepper

1 Tbsp of tomato paste

1 Tbsp of fennel seed

1 tsp of oregano

1 Tbsp of basil

2- 28 oz cans of crushed tomatoes

1 large tomato, sliced

In a large pot over medium-high heat, saute onion and garlic for 2 minutes.  Add beef and sausage.  Cook until meat begins to brown, about 7-10 minutes. 

Add tomato paste, fennel seed, oregano and basil.  Stir until combined.  Turn heat down to low and add canned tomatoes.  Simmer for 20 minutes.  Remove from heat and let cool.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella, parmesan cheese and eggs.

In a 9 by 13 inch pan, begin layering the lasagna by starting with 1 cup of sauce to cover the bottom of the pan.  (This will prevent the noodles from sticking to the pan.)

Next, add noodles to cover the entire pan.  Layer the cheese mixture, pressing down to make sure that it is evenly covered.  Place another layer of noodles on top of the cheese mixture.  Spoon the remaining meat sauce on top. 

Lay slices of tomato on top and then sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.  Cover pan with foil and cook for 30 minutes.  Remove foil and then cook for 15 more minutes or until the cheese starts to bubble.

Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Black Bean & Bacon Soup

Black Bean & Bacon Soup

Make this as a main dish or a decadent side dish. Black Bean and Bacon Soup is a satisfying and hearty soup you’ll be sure to make time and time again.

Prep 15 min Cook 30 minutes Makes 7+ servings

Ingredients

3 slices of thick cut bacon

1 yellow onion, diced

1 Tbsp of minced garlic

2 Tbsp of dijon mustard

3 Tbsp of chili powder

2 tsp of cayenne pepper

1 Tbsp of cumin

2 14 oz cans of black beans

1 large tomato, diced

2 cups of chicken broth

salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot, cook bacon over medium heat.  When the bacon begins to crisp, remove and set aside. 

In bacon drippings, add diced onion.  Cook until tender.  Add garlic.  Continue to cook for 2 more minutes.  Meanwhile, drain and rinse black beans.  Then add the beans, spices and diced tomatoes to the pot with onion and garlic.  Stir until combined and cook over low heat for 2 additional minutes.  Add chicken broth.  Stir and bring to a boil. 

Reduce heat and allow to simmer for 10 minutes.  With a slotted spoon, remove 1/2 cup of the bean mixture and set aside.  Using a hand-held blender, submerge into the soup and blend until texture is smooth and creamy.  (Transfer to a blender if you do not have a hand-held device.) 

Reintroduce reserved bean mixture.  Stir and serve with garnishes of sour cream, cilantro and jalepeno slices.