The ultimate makeover: Lasagne

The ultimate makeover: Lasagne

A lighter version of the family classic that retains its full flavour

Difficulty and servings

Easy

Serves 6

Preparation and cooking times

Preparation time

Prep 35 - 40 mins

Cook time

Cook 1 hr 50 mins

Method

  1. Make the meat sauce: heat oil in a large sauté pan, then tip in onion and fry for 5 mins until golden. Add carrots and garlic, then fry for 2 mins more. Stir in both meats, breaking up the pork with a wooden spoon. Cook over a high heat until the meat is no longer pink and the juices are released. Pour in wine, scrape the bottom of the pan as you stir, then cook for 1-2 mins until the liquid is reduced. Tip in tomato purée, tomatoes and 2 tbsp water, then stir to break up tomatoes. Add ½ tsp nutmeg and some pepper, cover, then simmer for 1 hr, stirring occasionally. Taste and add salt if you like. Mix in torn basil. Sauce can be chilled for up to 1 day.
  2. While the sauce is simmering, prepare the other layers. Tip the spinach into a large bowl and pour over boiling water. After 30 secs, tip spinach into a colander and put under cold running water briefly to cool. Squeeze to remove excess water. Beat the egg in a bowl, then mix with ricotta, parsley, a pinch of nutmeg and pepper. Soak the lasagne sheets in a single layer in boiling water for 5 mins. (Although the packet says no pre-cook, I find soaking improves the texture.) Drain well. Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6.
  3. Start layering. Spread a few big spoonfuls of sauce to barely cover the base of an ovenproof dish (20 x 29 x 6cm deep). Cover with 2 sheets of lasagne, then spread over half the remaining sauce. Cover with 2 more lasagne sheets, then scatter spinach evenly over. Spread the ricotta mixture on top and cover with 2 more lasagne sheets. Spread with remaining sauce, then scatter over mozzarella and Parmesan to almost cover meat. Top with cherry tomatoes and some pepper, then cover loosely with foil.
  4. Bake for 35 mins, then remove foil and bake 5-10 mins more. Leave for a few mins, then scatter with basil and serve with salad.

Per serving

447 kcalories, protein 38g, carbohydrate 31g, fat 19 g, saturated fat 9g, fibre 0g, sugar 9g, salt 0.96 g

Recipe from Good Food magazine, October 2008.

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Latest comments and suggestions

Results 21-29

  • 18 January 2012

    Lola_Balola rated and commented on this recipe

    4 stars

    I was very impressed with this dish as a lower calorie alternative to lasagne. In addition to fresh basil I added some dried herbs and plenty of seasoning. I also added some beef stock and an extra tin of toms. Without these additions I think it could've been rather bland and dry. Will definitely cook it again, thank you.

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  • 06 April 2012

    Beauster rated and commented on this recipe

    5 stars

    Great dish.... Made 2 for a dinner party... One guest went back for thirds... Light and full of flavour... A definite make!!

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  • 07 May 2012

    Amanda rated and commented on this recipe

    5 stars

    I used 250g of minced beef instead of the rump steaks but everything else as the recipe and this was easy to prepared in advance and delicious. This is the only lasagne I will make from now on.

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  • 20 June 2012

    Tincrystal rated and commented on this recipe

    5 stars

    Made this as an alternative Sunday lunch and it was absolutely gorgeous. Full of flavour and the additional veg such as the spinach and cherry tomato topping was an excellent way of getting more of your five a day.

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  • 25 September 2012

    AmiWalsh rated and commented on this recipe

    5 stars

    Brilliant recipe, made it the day before and kept it overnight in the fridge, cooked perfectly the next day. Only change I made due to other comments about dryness was cooking the meat sauce for 45 mins

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  • 02 January 2013

    JackandStuart commented on this recipe

    I agree with petit_josephine. This version will never taste as rich and stodgy as a classic lasagne but what a fabulous healthy version it is. We are a big fan of Angela Nilsen's healthy takes on classics and this one didn't let you down. Even my carb loving husband approved! We will definitely have this again.

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  • 21 February 2013

    sweetie rated and commented on this recipe

    5 stars

    Delicious. Used steak mince and can green lentils. No pork. Rest as per recipe. Making again as requested by family.

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  • 05 March 2013

    Feebee rated and commented on this recipe

    5 stars

    Yummy !! Going to be regular in my house !! :-)

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  • 17 May 2013

    wubada rated and commented on this recipe

    4 stars

    A very nice alternative to the normal heavy lasagne. Shops didn't have any ricotta cheese in, so i swapped for half fat creme fraiche. Served it with warm garlic bread and a big salad. Will do again!

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Difficulty and servings

Easy

Serves 6

Preparation and cooking times

Preparation time

Prep 35 - 40 mins

Cook time

Cook 1 hr 50 mins

Ingredients

FOR THE MEAT SAUCE

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion , chopped
  • 2 medium carrots , diced
  • 3 plump garlic cloves , finely chopped
  • 250g lean rump steaks , trimmed of fat, thinly sliced, then very finely chopped
  • 250g lean minced pork
  • 100ml red wine
  • 2 tbsp tomato purée
  • 400g can plum tomatoes
  • tsp ground nutmeg , plus a pinch
  • handful basil leaves , torn

FOR THE LAYERS

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Per serving

447 kcalories, protein 38g, carbohydrate 31g, fat 19 g, saturated fat 9g, fibre 0g, sugar 9g, salt 0.96 g

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