Did you know that lasagna’s roots trace all the way back to Ancient Rome? It was also a staple dish in the classic 1970s cartoon Garfield. Through this all, lasagna was made almost the same – a particular type of pasta with alternating layers of different ingredients and sauces. It can be made with meats, cheese or entirely out of plant-based vegetables.
Luckily, today is National Lasagna Day, which means you can join in and enjoy the complex flavors reminiscent of Italian decadence.
4 Tips to Spice Up Your Lasagna
Lasagna is traditionally made up of pasta, cheese and sauce with the ability to add meat or veggies. I’m here to tell you there are so many ways to spice up your traditional recipe! Don’t be afraid to get creative – I’m sure you’ll love it!
1. Mix in chopped veggies to your cheese, sauces or meat layers for added flavor. Think spinach, kale, peppers, onions, eggplant, zucchini, I can go on and on!
2. Add some spice or herbs to try out different flavors. Cilantro, oregano, dried parsley and red pepper flakes can all add a delicious flavor!
3. Swap the pasta layers for veggies! Eggplant and zucchini make for a fun twist, but still offer enough sturdiness and texture to hold it together.
4. Switch up the protein! Traditionally beef is used in lasagna, but don’t be afraid to try ground turkey or chicken or even tofu. Each type of protein will add its own flavor and texture
Besides just changing up the ingredients, consider changing up the way you’re serving it! Instead of traditionally serving in a dish – try stuffing individual lasagna noodles (or eggplant/zucchini slices) with the mixture and then rolling them up. I promise they’ll be a hit!
Heart-Healthy Tip
As well as spicing up your lasagna, it’s important to still keep in mind how you can maximize the nutritional value in your dish.
- Opt for low-fat, low sodium cheese – it will still have plenty of flavor, but more heart healthy!
- Choose whole grain noodles for more fiber and vitamins and minerals
- Make your own tomato sauce if you can – that way you’ll be more aware of what is going into your dish. And you’ll be able to cater the flavor of the sauce to your specific dish!
Let yourself get creative in the kitchen when preparing this dish for yourself, your friends, and your family to share. And try new ingredients when cooking. It’s one of the best ways to explore the world of food and expand your flavor horizons.
Your turn to take action:How will you make lasagna special to you? Let me know in the comments below!
Like this post? Share it!
FAQs
Sugar: Two tablespoons of white sugar add subtle sweetness and enhance the flavor of the sauce. Spices and seasonings: This lasagna recipe is flavored with fresh parsley, dried basil leaves, salt, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and black pepper. Lasagna noodles: Use store-bought or homemade lasagna noodles.
What can I add to my lasagna to make it taste better? ›
Sugar: Two tablespoons of white sugar add subtle sweetness and enhance the flavor of the sauce. Spices and seasonings: This lasagna recipe is flavored with fresh parsley, dried basil leaves, salt, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and black pepper. Lasagna noodles: Use store-bought or homemade lasagna noodles.
How do I spice up my lasagna? ›
- Up the texture with chunky meat. Lasagne has evolved into a mince-based dish, but it can also be made using shredded, slow-cooked meat. ...
- Add pancetta or bacon. ...
- Don't be shy with the wine. ...
- Try a wild mushroom white sauce for added luxury. ...
- Use three types of cheese. ...
- Choose egg pasta sheets. ...
- Stop the slop (add less sauce)
Use vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery for flavor plus lots of garlic and herbs. If making a meat sauce, brown and season the ground meat before adding the tomatoes. Incorporate tomato paste for thickness, and make sure to reduce the sauce as a thicker tomato sauce works better for lasagna.
How to make lasagna taste better reddit? ›
A few things to add flavour:
- use 2-3 cheeses instead of just one. ...
- add basil everytime you add a cheese layer.
- try a mix of both beef and pork for the meat.
- cook the sauce low and slow for a long time to help deepen the flavours.
- try adding wine or a little nutmeg to the sauce.
You can enhance the taste of your lasagna by making sure that each component of the dish is made with a quality ingredient that has been handled and seasoned properly. Make your own marinara sauce with good quality tomatoes, reduce it until it is flavorful and season it with salt and pepper.
Should you bake lasagna covered or not? ›
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until cheese is golden brown, 5 to 10 more minutes. Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
What not to do when making lasagna? ›
12 Lasagna Mistakes You Didn't Realize You Were Making
- Not cooking the noodles correctly. Adao/Shutterstock. ...
- Not having all the ingredients ready. ...
- Not browning the meat. ...
- Using the wrong cheese. ...
- Skipping the dairy sauce. ...
- Skimping on the amount of marinara. ...
- Improperly layering the noodles. ...
- Forgetting a layer of sauce.
Start by spreading a layer of your tomato-based sauce (either a plain tomato sauce or your pre-made ragù) on the bottom of your dish. Next, add a single layer of pasta sheets. Then, add a layer of white sauce, followed by another single layer of pasta sheets.
Why add tomato paste to lasagna? ›
A good tomato paste helps to thicken but also adds a sweet and savory umami flavor. Lean Ground Beef: Lean beef adds a robust and hearty meatiness that's essential in a classic lasagna recipe.
Up the luxe factor by infusing the white sauce with wild mushrooms, which provide a complementary flavour for the beef. Give the meat sauce a boozy kick with a generous measure of full-bodied red wine. It's important that you don't add too much liquid to the sauce – lasagne shouldn't be a sloppy dish.
Why do you put milk in lasagna? ›
Milk. It tenderises the meat, to leave you with the most tender ragù.
How long should you let lasagna rest before cutting? ›
When the lasagna is ready it is difficult to resist the temptation to immediately eat it, but be careful because even in this case you have to be a little patient. Wait for your lasagna to rest for about 20 minutes once it is baked, in this way it will not fall apart when cut.
How do you jazz up a lasagna? ›
11 Ways To Add More Flavor To Your Homemade Lasagna
- Diversify your sausage. Artisteer/Getty Images. ...
- Sswap out that sausage for seafood. ...
- Reconsider the veggies you're using. ...
- Don't use the same exact cheese. ...
- Try ricotta cheese. ...
- Use no-boil noodles. ...
- Test out white lasagna. ...
- Consider cinnamon your secret ingredient.
For the best results, we offer the following tips for assembling your lasagne: Begin with a 13 x 9 x 3-inches deep baking pan, sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Spread 1 cup of sauce on the bottom of the baking pan and begin layering.
How do you moisten dry lasagna? ›
To keep it from tasting dry, add some extra liquid as you reheat it! A splash of water usually does the trick, and you'll want to cover the lasagna with foil, plastic wrap or a paper towel to trap all that liquid inside as it reheats.
Did you know that lasagna’s roots trace all the way back to Ancient Rome? It was also a staple dish in the classic 1970s cartoon Garfield. Through this all, lasagna was made almost the same – a particular type of pasta with alternating layers of different ingredients and sauces. It can be made with meats, cheese or entirely out of plant-based vegetables.
