Traditional Lasagna

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 carrot (chopped small)
• 1 celery stalk (chopped small)
• 1/2 onion (chopped small)
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups tomato puree (passata)
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1-2 pinches hot pepper flakes (if desired)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• pinch salt
• 1-2 dashes black pepper (if desired)
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1-1 1/2 cups chopped fresh mozzarella
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 16 lasagna noodles (also referred to as strips oven ready), more or less

Instructions

1. 1

   --- FOR THE MEAT SAUCE ---

2. 2

   In a large pot add the olive oil, ground beef, chopped carrots, celery, onion, garlic and salt, sauté for approximately 10 minutes or until meat has started to brown, then add the tomato pure, water and spices, cook on medium heat until thickened (quite thick), approximately 30-60 minutes.

3. 3

   --- FOR THE WHITE SAUCE ---

4. 4

   In a medium pot over medium heat melt the butter, add the flour and salt, whisk to combine well, add the milk slowly and stir constantly until the sauce has thickened (taste for salt). Remove from heat. (or you can purchase a good store bought white sauce).

5. 5

   Pre-heat oven to 350F (180C)

6. 6

   --- PUTTING IT TOGETHER ---

7. 7

   In a baking dish measuring 10x10x2 (25x25x5 cm) spread 2-3 spoonfuls of meat sauce on the bottom of the pan, add a layer of lasagna noodles, then continue to layer in the following order, the meat sauce, white sauce, chopped mozzarella and parmesan cheese, continue making 3-4 layers, the last layer should be without the white sauce, so remember to divide the ingredients by 3 or 4, depending on how many layers you wish to make.

8. 8

   Bake for approximate 20-30 minutes, or until cooked through. Let sit 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!