Directions
Lasagna is a dish that undoubtedly wins the hearts of all food lovers. Elegant and rich, it comprises layers of fresh egg pasta interspersed with irresistible ingredients. Today, we’re excited to share a delightful variation: lasagna with broccoli rabe and sausage, perfect for cozy winter evenings.
The Magic of Combining Broccoli Rabe and Sausage
This recipe draws inspiration from a classic pairing in Mediterranean cuisine. The fusion of sausage and broccoli rabe creates a marriage of flavors that enriches any meal. To elevate this dish, we enrich it with a creamy béchamel sauce and sprinkle in diced provola, making the lasagna even more flavorful and indulgent.
Essential Ingredients for Preparation
Before diving into the preparation details, let’s review the ingredients you’ll need:
- 300 g of lasagna pasta (egg-based)
- 1 kg of broccoli rabe
- 400 g of sausage
- 1 large onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 chili pepper (optional)
- 50 g of butter
- 50 g of flour
- 1 liter of milk
- 200 g of provola cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese as needed
- Extra virgin olive oil for cooking
Making the Béchamel Sauce
Let’s start with the foundation of our dish: the béchamel sauce. In a saucepan, gently heat the milk over medium heat. In another pot, melt the butter over low heat, then add the flour all at once. Whisk vigorously to prevent any lumps from forming, and keep stirring until the mixture turns golden. Gradually add a bit of the warm milk, mixing well, and then pour in the remaining milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the béchamel for about 5-6 minutes, stirring continuously until it becomes creamy. Keep the béchamel covered with plastic wrap until you’re ready to use it.
Cooking the Sausage and Preparing the Broccoli Rabe
Next, finely chop the onion. Remove the sausage casing by slicing the outer skin, then crumble the sausage into pieces. In a skillet, drizzle with a touch of olive oil and heat slightly. Add the chopped onion and sauté over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the crumbled sausage and cook for about 8 minutes until fully browned.
While the sausage is cooking, prepare the broccoli rabe: remove the smaller branches from the central stalk, which should be discarded, and slice the leaves, keeping them slightly larger. Blanch the broccoli rabe in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes. As you drain the broccoli, remove the seeds from the chili pepper and finely chop it. In a heated skillet, add a little olive oil, the crushed garlic cloves, and the chopped chili. When the garlic begins to brown, add the broccoli rabe and sauté for a few minutes. Remove the garlic and chop the provola cheese.
Assembling the Lasagna
Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble our lasagna. In a rectangular baking dish around 30×20 cm, spread a couple of tablespoons of béchamel on the bottom. Lay down three sheets of lasagna pasta slightly overlapping, pressing them down to adhere properly. Add a layer of broccoli rabe, followed by the sausage and provola, and another layer of béchamel. Continue layering the ingredients until you have completed four layers.
For the final layer, instead of béchamel, generously sprinkle with grated Parmesan and drizzle with a bit of olive oil. Bake in a preheated static oven at 200°C for 25 minutes. In the last 5 minutes, switch on the grill to achieve a perfect golden crust. Once done, let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving.
Conclusion: A Dish to Share
The lasagna with broccoli rabe and sausage is not just a hearty meal; it’s a culinary experience meant to be shared with friends and family during winter dinners. The rustic flavors of this dish, combined with the creaminess of the béchamel and the bold character of the sausage, will make every bite a moment of pure culinary delight. Give this recipe a try and let yourself be captivated by its goodness; it’s sure to impress and delight your guests!
Without a doubt, preparing such a rich and flavorful dish provides an excellent opportunity to gather the family around the table. Enjoy your meal!
