LASAGNA AL FORNO ALLA BOLOGNESE: THE ORIGINAL ITALIAN RECIPE

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### 👩‍🍳 **Instructions**

#### 1. **Prepare the Ragù (slow and steady!)**
– In a heavy pot, heat olive oil. Add onion, carrot, and celery (the soffritto). Sauté gently until soft.
– Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking up clumps.
– Pour in the white wine. Let it evaporate.
– Stir in the crushed tomatoes (and paste, if using), season with salt and pepper, and reduce heat.
– Simmer **low and slow** for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add milk toward the end to balance acidity. Adjust seasoning.

#### 2. **Make the Béchamel Sauce**
– Melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour to make a roux.
– Gradually whisk in warm milk. Stir continuously until thickened and smooth.
– Season with salt, white pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

#### 3. **Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)**

#### 4. **Assemble the Lasagna**
In a baking dish:
– Spoon a little ragù and béchamel on the bottom.
– Add a layer of pasta sheets.
– Cover with ragù, then béchamel, and sprinkle with Parmigiano.
– Repeat layers (usually 4–5), finishing with béchamel and a generous Parmigiano topping.

#### 5. **Bake**
– Cover loosely with foil and bake for **30 minutes**.
– Uncover and bake for another **10–15 minutes** until golden and bubbling.

#### 6. **Rest Before Serving**
– Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and enhances flavor.

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## 🧡 **Why It’s Worth the Effort**

Yes, this recipe takes time. But every slow-simmered spoonful is a tribute to **Italian culinary tradition**. It’s a dish meant to be **shared, savored, and remembered**. Perfect for Sunday dinners, holidays, or when you just want to impress someone with real-deal, old-world flavor.

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## 🥂 Pair It With:

– A bold red wine (like Chianti Classico or Barbera)
– A simple green salad with balsamic
– Fresh crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce

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## 🇮🇹 Final Thoughts

**Lasagna al Forno alla Bolognese** isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Rich, layered, and soul-warming, it speaks the language of tradition, patience, and love. Once you’ve had the original version, you’ll never look at lasagna the same way again.

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Want a printable recipe, cooking video guide, or gluten-free variation? Just let me know—I’d be happy to help you make your perfect pan of lasagna!