Description of this recipe:
This Lasagna with Ham and Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish. It replaces the traditional meat sauce with layers of savory ham and combines it with the creamy richness of a homemade Mornay sauce and the sharp, nutty flavors of Emmental and Raclette cheeses. This recipe is designed to be both comforting and satisfying, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite. It’s a simplified yet elegant take on lasagna, making it ideal for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Lasagna with Ham and Cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons. Firstly, it offers a delightful alternative to the traditional meat-heavy lasagna, making it lighter yet equally satisfying. The homemade Mornay sauce is incredibly creamy and flavorful, providing a luxurious base that perfectly complements the salty ham and rich cheeses. The combination of Emmental and Raclette cheese provides a wonderful depth of flavor, with the Emmental adding a nutty sharpness and the Raclette offering a gooey, melted texture that’s simply irresistible. The layers of fresh pasta create a soft, tender texture that binds all the ingredients together harmoniously.
This recipe is also relatively simple to make, especially compared to more complex lasagna recipes that require extensive meat sauce preparation. It’s a great way to use leftover ham from a holiday feast or a Sunday roast, transforming it into a completely new and exciting dish. The lasagna is comforting and warming, perfect for those cold winter evenings, yet it’s also sophisticated enough to serve to guests at a dinner party. It’s a versatile and adaptable recipe that can be customized to your personal preferences, making it a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients:
→ Pasta & Ham:
- 6 large sheets fresh lasagna pasta
- 6 slices cooked ham
→ Mornay Sauce:
- 50 grams onion, peeled and quartered
- 50 grams unsalted butter
- 55 grams plain flour
- 600 grams semi-skimmed milk
- 1 egg yolk
- 0.5 teaspoon fine salt
- 3 pinches ground black pepper
- 3 pinches ground nutmeg
→ Cheese:
- 140 grams grated Emmental cheese
- 220 grams sliced Raclette cheese (or comparable melting cheese)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Onion
Place the peeled and quartered onion in a blender. Blend for 2 seconds at speed 5 until finely chopped, then scrape down the sides with a spatula to ensure all pieces are processed evenly. This initial step is crucial for ensuring that the onion is finely incorporated into the Mornay sauce, providing a subtle but essential flavor base without overpowering the other ingredients.
Step 2: Make the Mornay Sauce
Add butter, flour, milk, egg yolk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the blender. Cook for 8 minutes at 90°C on speed 4 until smooth and thickened. This step involves creating the creamy Mornay sauce, the heart of the lasagna. The precise temperature and speed are important for achieving the perfect consistency and preventing lumps. Cooking the sauce in a blender ensures that all ingredients are thoroughly combined and that the sauce is smooth and velvety. The egg yolk adds richness and helps to thicken the sauce, while the salt, pepper, and nutmeg provide a subtle seasoning that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Step 3: Incorporate the Emmental Cheese
Add 100 grams of grated Emmental cheese to the sauce and cook for an additional minute at 90°C on speed 4 until fully melted. Incorporating the Emmental cheese into the sauce adds a nutty, sharp flavor that complements the creamy base. Cooking it until fully melted ensures that the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the sauce, creating a smooth and cheesy texture. This step elevates the Mornay sauce to a higher level of flavor complexity.
Step 4: Prepare the Gratin Dish
Butter a large gratin dish. Spread a thin layer of Mornay sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Buttering the dish and adding a layer of sauce ensures that the lasagna doesn’t stick to the bottom and is easy to serve. This also adds an extra layer of flavor to the bottom of the lasagna, preventing it from becoming dry.
Step 5: Assemble the First Layer
Place a layer of lasagna sheets in the dish, trimming as needed. Spread one quarter of the Mornay sauce over the pasta, followed by 2 slices of ham and one third of the sliced Raclette cheese. This is the first layer of the lasagna, where the flavors begin to build. Trimming the pasta sheets ensures that they fit perfectly in the dish, creating a neat and even layer. The Mornay sauce provides a creamy base, the ham adds a savory, salty element, and the Raclette cheese contributes a rich, melty texture.
Step 6: Create the Second and Third Layers
Add a second layer of pasta. Top with one third of the remaining sauce, 2 slices of ham, and more Raclette cheese. Repeat for a third layer: pasta, half the remaining sauce, 2 slices of ham, and the last of the Raclette cheese. These layers continue to build the flavor and texture of the lasagna. Each layer is carefully constructed to ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a harmonious balance of flavors in every bite.
Step 7: Finish with the Final Layer
Finish with a final layer of lasagna sheets. Spread the remaining Mornay sauce on top and sprinkle with 40 grams of grated Emmental cheese. The final layer is crucial for creating a visually appealing and flavorful top. The remaining Mornay sauce provides a creamy, rich finish, while the grated Emmental cheese adds a golden-brown crust that is both delicious and visually appealing.
Step 8: Bake the Lasagna
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Bake for 20 minutes until the surface is golden brown and bubbling. Baking the lasagna at a high temperature ensures that the cheese is melted and bubbly and that the lasagna is heated through. The golden-brown surface is a sign that the lasagna is perfectly cooked and ready to be enjoyed.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Moderate
- Flavor Complexity: High
- Overall Satisfaction: Very High
Serving Suggestions:
This Lasagna with Ham and Cheese is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs well with a variety of side dishes. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagna. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers, can add a healthy and colorful element to the meal. Crusty bread, such as baguette or ciabatta, is perfect for soaking up the delicious Mornay sauce. For a more substantial meal, you can serve the lasagna with a side of creamy polenta or mashed potatoes.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ham for the best flavor. Black Forest ham or prosciutto would be excellent choices.
- If you can’t find Raclette cheese, Gruyere or Fontina cheese would be good substitutes.
- Don’t overcook the lasagna, or it will become dry. The surface should be golden brown and bubbling, but the inside should still be moist and creamy.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the lasagna to set.
- For an extra layer of flavor, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the top of the lasagna before baking.
Prep Time: 25 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Per Serving, approximate)
Calories: 650 Protein: 35g Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion:
This Lasagna with Ham and Cheese is a delightful and comforting dish that is sure to impress. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures, with the creamy Mornay sauce, savory ham, and rich cheeses creating a culinary symphony in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion meal, this lasagna is a versatile and satisfying choice. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy the wonderful flavors of this classic dish with a twist.
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I use dried lasagna sheets instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use dried lasagna sheets, but you may need to pre-cook them according to the package instructions. Fresh lasagna sheets have a softer texture and cook more quickly in the oven, but dried sheets are a perfectly acceptable substitute. Make sure to layer them evenly and ensure they are well covered with the Mornay sauce to prevent them from drying out.
Q2: Can I make the Mornay sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Making the Mornay sauce ahead of time is a great way to save time when assembling the lasagna. You can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the lasagna, simply reheat the sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s smooth and creamy.
Q3: Can I freeze this lasagna?
A: Yes, this lasagna freezes well. Allow the lasagna to cool completely after baking. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake it in a preheated oven at 175°C for about 30-40 minutes, or until heated through.
Q4: Can I add vegetables to this lasagna?
A: Certainly! Adding vegetables is a great way to customize this lasagna and add extra nutrients. Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers would all be excellent additions. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the lasagna layers to ensure they are tender and flavorful. Layer them between the sauce and ham for a delicious and nutritious twist.
Q5: What can I use if I don’t have Raclette cheese?
A: If you don’t have Raclette cheese, Gruyere or Fontina cheese would be excellent substitutes. Both of these cheeses have a similar melting quality and flavor profile to Raclette, making them ideal for this lasagna. They will provide a rich, gooey texture and a nutty, slightly sharp flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
