Bolognese Lasagna

How to Make

• Step 1: TO MAKE THE PASTA*

• Step 2: In a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment add flour and salt to the mixing bowl.

• Step 3: With mixer on low speed, add 1 egg at a time until incorporated.

• Step 4: Continue to mix for 3 to 4 minutes until the dough starts to come together.

• Step 5: Remove dough from mixer and knead to form a ball.

• Step 6: Cover and let rest for 1 hour.

• Step 7: Roll out pasta. Cut dough into 12 pieces.

• Step 8: Roll dough into thick sheets on the pasta machine, starting at the thickest setting, reducing pasta setting one mark each time you roll the dough through.

• Step 9: Cook pasta in boiling salted water for about 4 minutes or until just al dente.

• Step 10: Transfer to bowl with cold water to prevent sticking.

• Step 11: Drain on towel.

• TO MAKE THE BOLOGNESE SAUCE

• Step 12: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium heat.

• Step 13: Add the onion and saute 3 to 4 minutes or until soft.

• Step 14: Add the beef and Italian sausage and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until browned.

• Step 15: Add the garlic and carrots and saute for 3 minutes just to soften.

• Step 16: Add the thyme sprigs, bay leaves, oregano, tomatoes and salt and pepper and bring to boil.

• Step 17: Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 55 to 60 minutes or until sauce is thickened and flavour has developed to your liking.

• Step 18: Add the fresh basil and adjust seasoning.

• Step 19: Bechamel Sauce: In a medium saucepan on medium heat, melt butter.

• Step 20: Add the flour and stir with wooden spoon until a paste forms.

• Step 21: Remove from heat and add the cold milk a little at a time while stirring well between each addition.

• Step 22: Return to heat once all the milk is added and mixture is smooth.

• Step 23: Continue stirring over medium heat until sauce comes to a boil and thickens, about 5 minutes.

• Step 24: Add a pinch of nutmeg and season with salt and pepper to taste.

• Step 25: Add the Pecorino and Parmesan cheese and stir.

• FOR THE ASSEMBLY

• Step 26: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

• Step 27: Oil the bottom of a 13- by 9- by 2-inch baking dish.

• Step 28: Reserve a quarter of the bechamel sauce for the top layer.

• Step 29: Layer lasagna, starting with pasta and alternating bolognese sauce, grated cheese and bechamel sauce.

• Step 30: Season well between each layer.

• Step 31: Finish with a layer pasta, the reserved bechamel sauce and extra cheese on the top layer to finish (you should have 6 layers of lasagna).

• Step 32: Bake lasagna in middle of oven for about 35 to 40 minutes or until golden.