Asparagus Lasagna (lasagne agli asparagi) – The Pasta Undertaking

This conventional Italian asparagus lasagna is a lightweight and flavourful asparagus pasta recipe from the place I stay in Veneto, Italy.  Additionally recognized domestically as ‘pasticcio di asparagi’ or ‘lasagne agli asparagi’, that is a straightforward spring lasagna recipe with just some principal substances. Good for particular events like Mom’s Day and Easter, in addition to Sunday lunch!

Historical past.

Folks have been consuming asparagus in Europe since 3,000 B.C! The traditional Greeks, Egyptians and Romans cherished them. The Historic Romans even took asparagus into the Alps to freeze them for the feast of Epicurious and the Emperor Augustus is alleged to have had ‘an asparagus fleet’ used to move asparagus all around the Empire!

After all, these days we don’t must freeze asparagus within the mountains. We now have fridges, freezers and different methods to protect them.

Right here in Veneto, Northern Italy, asparagus are virtually a staple ingredient within the spring kitchen. It is because this area cultivates probably the most asparagus in Italy. Roadside asparagus sellers are typical throughout the season and asparagus fields are a typical sight.

Evidently, there are many native recipes for asparagus right here. Nevertheless, the preferred methods to serve them are in soup, risotto or with pasta.

Substances on this asparagus lasagna (lasagne agli asparagi).

As talked about above that is a straightforward lasagna. All you want is lasagne pasta sheets, recent inexperienced asparagus, the substances for béchamel (if making your personal), leeks, grated Parmigiano or vegetarian parmesan and seasoning.

The pasta: You should utilize selfmade egg pasta sheets (lasagne), ready-made recent pasta or dried lasagne. If utilizing the latter, it’s greatest to blanch the pasta in boiling water earlier than assembling your asparagus lasagna. Contemporary pasta must be skinny sufficient to see your fingers via the sheet. You then don’t need to pre-cook it. I used ready-made recent lasagne sheets this time.

The asparagus: You may use recent inexperienced or white asparagus. Nevertheless, I desire inexperienced. The asparagus on this recipe are roasted earlier than assembling the lasagna. Roasting the asparagus spears actually offers them a beautiful candy extra concentrated flavour. Plus, the guidelines get a bit crispy within the oven. You can too, steam, boil or sauté the asparagus should you desire.

The béchamel: Béchamel (white sauce) is fairly simple to make at dwelling and I normally make my very own. After all, you need to use ready-made béchamel for a quicker prep. Nevertheless, you could must skinny it a bit with milk or broth as ready-made white sauce is commonly fairly thick.

The leek: I really like utilizing leeks instead of onions. They add a candy oniony flavour which is sort of distinctive. You possibly can substitute the leeks with a candy yellow onion or shallots should you desire.

Nutmeg: this spice is a typical ingredient in béchamel recipes (besciamella in Italian). I desire freshly grated nutmeg, however you possibly can add a small pinch of prepared floor nutmeg as an alternative. As a result of this spice has a powerful aroma and style, you solely want little or no so as to add a heat, nutty flavour to your white sauce.

The cheese: Since this asparagus lasagna recipe is from Northern Italy, the cheese is historically freshly grated Grana or Parmigiano. However, if you wish to make this recipe vegetarian, you will want to make use of a vegetarian parmesan. Italian Grana and Parmigiano are made with animal rennet.

Step-by-step directions for asparagus lasagna.

Preparation.

1. Wash the asparagus and take away the robust woody ends. One of the simplest ways to make sure you get one of the best half solely is to bend every asparagus whereas holding every finish and it’ll break naturally in the best place. You can too simply minimize them.  

2. Place the asparagus spears on a baking tray lined with oven paper. Sprinkle with olive oil and salt. Then bake till cooked. Relying on the dimensions of your asparagus this may occasionally take 15-Half-hour.

3. Whereas the asparagus are baking, sauté the leeks. First wash your leeks, take away the darker outer leaves, and minimize off the ends of the white half the place there are typically some small roots. Then finely slice the leeks. Sauté in butter with a bit olive oil till clear and starting to brown very barely.

Make the béchamel.

4. In case you are making your personal béchamel. Soften the butter on a low warmth in a saucepan large enough to carry no less than 1 litre of milk. As soon as the butter has melted, sift within the flour stirring repeatedly till you might have a paste/roux.

Subsequent add the milk a bit at a time and proceed to stir consistently. When you begin to get a easy white sauce, use a handheld whisk to stir out any lumps. When the sauce is thick sufficient, take away from the warmth and add the nutmeg. Your béchamel is thick sufficient when it coats the again of a picket spoon should you dip one within the sauce.

The béchamel might thicken even additional when you are getting ready the remainder of the lasagna. Simply stir in some extra milk should you suppose it’s too thick. It must have the consistency of a thick custard.

5. When the asparagus are cooked minimize most of them into 3-4 items. Depart 4-6 asparagus entire to position on the highest of the lasagna.

Assembling the asparagus lasagna.

6. Utilizing an oblong oven dish, pour some béchamel into the underside of the dish and unfold it evenly. Place 2 sheets of lasagne on high of the white sauce. My ceramic oven dish measured 20 x 27 x 6 cms. That is equal to approx 8″ x 11″, however an ordinary 9″x13″ would work nice. Use extra pasta sheets in every layer if essential.

7. Then unfold some cooked leeks and asparagus over the pasta. Subsequent add some grated cheese and extra béchamel. Every layer of filling must have the substances properly unfold out.

8. Add one other layer of pasta sheets, then asparagus and leeks with grated cheese and bèchamel.

9. Proceed till you might have used up the leeks and minimize asparagus. The ultimate layer of pasta must be lined in béchamel and grated cheese with the intact asparagus spaced out on the highest.

In complete, I made 4 layers of pasta, and the lasagna gave me 4 regular parts.

10. Bake the lasagna in a preheated oven at 180°c (356°F )for 20-Half-hour till the highest is browned and the pasta is cooked. To test the pasta for doneness, pierce it with a pointy knife.

Allow you to lasagna relaxation earlier than serving.

It is extremely necessary to let your asparagus lasagna relaxation for a while earlier than serving. After all, the lasagna can be scalding sizzling straight out of the oven. However, resting it lets the dish agency up a bit. In the event you serve asparagus lasagna—or any lasagna—direct from the oven, it might collapse once you serve it.

The longer you wait, the firmer the dish can be. A ten-15 minute wait is the minimal, however you possibly can let it relaxation for as much as Half-hour. And don’t fear, it’ll nonetheless be good and heat.

What to do with leftovers.

I do not like freezing cooked pasta, so I do not suggest freezing leftovers of this asparagus lasagna. Nevertheless, leftovers will be saved in a sealed container within the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat them within the microwave or in a sizzling oven, lined with aluminium foil.

Ingredient substitutions and additions.

This recipe is the best Italian lasagne agli asparagi. You possibly can add different greens together with the asparagus and leeks. I believe, spinach, mushrooms and zucchini would go very well. After all these would have to be sautéed or cooked beforehand.

If you need so as to add some protein, I recommend chopped cooked ham, or fried pancetta or bacon. Alternatively, some sautéed shrimp can be pretty.

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Let me know what you suppose.

I actually love how simple this asparagus lasagna is to make. It would not take that lengthy to make and requires just some substances. That is now one of many recipes on my impress your company listing. I’m positive should you attempt it, you’ll be including it to yours too!

In the event you do do that Northern Italian lasagne agli asparagi, please let me know what you suppose! Write a remark right here on the weblog or put up a touch upon the Pasta Undertaking Fb web page.

Your suggestions means lots to me!

Buon appetito!

Different asparagus pasta recipes to attempt.

1. Carbonara with asparagus.
2. Spaghetti with asparagus and walnuts.
3. Salmon and asparagus lasagna
4. Asparagus and shrimp pasta

In case you are eager about studying how one can make selfmade pasta and several types of gnocchi, take a look at my store web page for some nice video on-line programs from my associates in Rome! Nothing beats studying to make pasta from Italians! Plus whilst you’re there why not order a replica of considered one of my pasta recipe cookbooks or checkout some really useful pasta making instruments?