Introduction
This delectable sardine and olive lasagne is an innovative twist on the classic Italian comfort food. Combining the rich flavors of sardines, olives, and a creamy white sauce, it creates a delicious meal that is unique and satisfying. Follow this guide to prepare an irresistible lasagne that will impress your family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 onion
Olive oil
3 x 120g tins of sardine fillets in sunflower oil
3 cloves of garlic
½ teaspoon chilli flakes
2 x 400g tins of plum tomatoes
50g butter
50g plain flour
800ml whole milk
1 bay leaf
60g Grana Padano cheese
100g mozzarella cheese
100g green olives
10g fresh parsley
15 dried lasagne sheets
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 6 to 8
Enjoy this hearty sardine and olive lasagne as a delightful meal that combines rich flavors with the comfort of a classic dish. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this lasagne is sure to be a hit!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Onion
Peel and finely dice the onion.
Step 2: Cook the Onion
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the oil from the sardine tins in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and a pinch of salt; cook for about 20 minutes until soft and just starting to color.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Chilli
Peel and finely chop the garlic; add it to the pan with the chilli flakes and cook for 2 minutes. Add the plum tomatoes, mashing them with a spoon. Simmer on low heat for 25 minutes.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 190°C.
Step 5: Make the White Sauce
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once foaming, add the flour, mix to a paste, and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and gradually pour in the milk in small increments, stirring continuously to ensure a smooth mixture before adding more.
Step 6: Thicken the White Sauce
Once all the milk is added, return the pan to heat, add the bay leaf, bring to a boil, then simmer for 3 minutes to thicken. Grate in 50g of Grana Padano, tear in all the mozzarella, and whisk to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 7: Prepare Sardines and Olives
Drain the sardines. Squash, destone, and roughly chop the olives. Finely chop the parsley. Add the sardines and olives to the red sauce, mix, and simmer for another 2 minutes. Season with parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Cook Lasagne Sheets
Bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagne sheets one at a time and cook for 3 minutes until they become floppy. Store them on greaseproof paper while repeating with the rest.
Step 9: Assemble the Lasagne
Spoon a little of the red sauce into the base of a 30 x 20cm baking dish. Arrange a layer of lasagne sheets neatly on top, tearing sheets where necessary to fill gaps. Spoon over ⅕ of the remaining red sauce followed by ⅕ of the remaining white sauce, then more lasagne sheets. Continue layering until all mixtures are used.
Step 10: Final Layer and Bake
Mix the top layer so the red and white sauces combine, pushing them to the edges to ensure the lasagne sheets are fully covered. Grate over the remaining Grana Padano, then bake for 40 to 45 minutes.
Step 11: Serve
Let the lasagne stand for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Note 1: Onion Cooking Tip
Make sure to stir the onions occasionally as they cook to prevent them from browning too quickly.
Note 2: Sardine Options
If desired, fresh sardines can be used, but canned sardines are more convenient and flavorful in this recipe.
Note 3: Adjusting Spice Level
Chilli flakes can be adjusted according to your heat preference; feel free to add more or less.
Note 4: Cheese Substitutes
Grana Padano can be substituted with Parmesan cheese, while mozzarella can be replaced with any other melting cheese of your choice.
Note 5: Cooking Time Variation
Cooking times may vary based on oven calibration, so check for a golden brown top before removing the lasagne from the oven.
Cook techniques
Chopping
Peeling and finely chopping the onion and garlic are crucial initial steps for flavor development in the dish.
Sautéing
Sautéing the onion and garlic in olive oil enhances their flavors and softens their texture before combining them with other ingredients.
Sauce Preparation
Creating a smooth white sauce requires careful incorporation of flour into melted butter, gradual addition of milk, and continuous stirring to prevent lumps.
Simmering
Allowing the red sauce and white sauce to simmer helps deepen the flavors and thicken the mixtures.
Layering
Proper layering of sauce and lasagne sheets ensures even cooking and flavor distribution throughout the lasagne.
Baking
Baking at a consistent temperature allows the lasagne to set and develop a golden, crispy top while the insides remain creamy and flavorful.
FAQ
Can I use fresh sardines instead of canned sardines?
Yes, fresh sardines can be used, but they will require different preparation and cooking times.
What can I substitute for Grana Padano cheese?
Parmesan cheese can serve as a substitute for Grana Padano, offering a similar taste and texture.
How do I ensure my lasagne sheets don’t stick together?
Store cooked lasagne sheets on greaseproof paper to prevent them from sticking to each other before layering.
Can I prepare this lasagne in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagne in advance and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can omit the sardines and replace them with additional vegetables or legumes to maintain a hearty texture.
Conclusion
This delightful lasagne combines the richness of sardines and creamy white sauce with a vibrant tomato base, creating a unique and comforting dish. The layers of flavors meld beautifully, making it an impressive meal for any occasion. Letting the lasagne rest before serving allows the flavors to fully develop, ensuring each bite is as delicious as the last.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Sardine Pasta Bake
Try substituting lasagne sheets with pasta shapes like penne or fusilli, mixing sardines with a creamy cheese sauce and baking until bubbling and golden.
Vegetable and Olive Ratatouille
Combine diced zucchini, bell peppers, and olives in a rich tomato sauce, simmering until tender. Serve with crusty bread for a hearty, vegetarian option.
Garlic and Herb Butter Risotto
Use garlic and onions as a base for a creamy risotto, stirring in fresh parsley and Grana Padano for added flavor.
Chili Flake Tuna Melt
Mix canned tuna with mayonnaise, chili flakes, and diced onions, then scoop onto bread, top with mozzarella, and grill until melted and crispy.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Fill halved bell peppers with a mixture of olive, sardine, onions, and spices, then bake until the peppers are tender for a healthy and colorful dish.
