Filipino Lasagna

Lasagna is one of those dishes that is really tedious to make but definitely worth the effort. I got this recipe from my mom which I had some ingredients altered since I don't want my pasta to have so many stuff in it. Yep, just the plain ol' meat and cheese ;) Here are the ingredients that I used:

1 box of lasagna noodles (enough for 2 large baking dishes)
Grated quick melt cheese and parsely, as toppings

Bolognese or Meat sauce:
1 large pack of Del Monte spaghetti sauce (Italian style)
1 head of onion
5 cloves garlic
3/4 kilo ground round
1 large can of sliced mushrooms, separate the water and set aside
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil leaves
salt and pepper to taste
Maggi Magic Sarap

Bechamel sauce:
2 cans evaporated milk
1 cup butter
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2/3 cup all purpose flour
3 cups water




How to make:
1. In a large pan, heat the oil and start sauteing the garlic and onions.
2. Add the mushrooms and the ground round until the meat is a bit brown.
3. Add the mushroom water and some water as needed. Let it simmer until the meat is cooked and the water has dried up a little.
4. Add the spaghetti sauce and season with salt and pepper and Magic Sarap.
5. If you think that the sauce is ready, add the dried oregano and basil leaves.
6. Set aside the meat sauce and cook the lasagna according to the instructions found in the box.
7. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the bechamel sauce.

To make the bechamel sauce:
1. Melt the butter in a pan and add the flour. Cook under low heat for 2-3 minutes making sure not to burn the butter.
2. Add the evaporated milk, water and nutmeg and mix until the consistency becomes thick.
3. You may also add some cheese if you want.

How to assemble:
1. Set a layer of lasagna at the bottom of the pan and put the meat sauce sparingly on top of the lasagna.
2. Repeat step 1 until you reach the top of the pan.
3. Spread the bechamel sauce at the top making sure that the top layer is fully covered.
4. Spread some cheese on top of the bechamel sauce and parsely leaves.
5. Bake for 25-30 mins or until the cheese is melted on a 350 degrees F pre-heated oven.

Anna