Forget everything you think you know about lasagna. This vibrant vegetarian take on a classic uses radicchio for a surprisingly delicious and beautiful twist. The slightly bitter bite of the radicchio is perfectly balanced by creamy ricotta and rich béchamel sauce, creating layers of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe avoids heavy meats, offering a lighter, yet incredibly satisfying, meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The beautiful deep red color of the radicchio will impress your guests, making this lasagna as visually stunning as it is flavorful.
Prepare to be amazed by the ease of this recipe! We'll guide you through each step, from prepping the vegetables to assembling the perfect lasagna layers. Get ready to experience a new favorite vegetarian dish with our simple, step-by-step instructions, and discover how easy it is to create restaurant-quality lasagna in your own kitchen.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Large pan
Ingredients
- Radicchio
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Salt
- Water
- Butter: 90g
- Flour: 60g
- Milk: 1L
- Ground black pepper
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Radicchio Filling
- Cut a medium-sized radicchio into thin slices. Wash well.
- In a large pan, drizzle generous olive oil. Add a chopped onion and the washed radicchio.
- Add a pinch of salt and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding a drop of water if necessary, until soft.
Step 2. Make the Béchamel Sauce
- Melt 90g of butter in a pan. Add 60g of flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add 1L of milk, stirring continuously until the béchamel is smooth and thick. Season with ground black pepper.
Step 3. Assemble the Lasagna
- Layer the cooked radicchio, béchamel sauce, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
Read more: Easy Basil Pesto Pasta: Simple, Cheap, & Delicious Recipe
Tips
- You can use either round or long radicchio.
- Stone-ground flour can be used for the béchamel, but double-zero flour is also suitable.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the radicchio with another vegetable?
Yes! Other bitter greens like escarole or endive would work well, but the flavor profile will change slightly. Spinach or kale could also be used, but their milder flavor might require additional seasoning.
2. How far in advance can I prepare this lasagna?
You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time when you're ready to cook it.
This vegetarian radicchio lasagna is a testament to how vibrant and flavorful meatless meals can be. From its stunning presentation to its surprisingly satisfying taste, it's a dish guaranteed to impress. Enjoy this easy-to-make recipe and savor every delicious bite!