Delight in a Festive Christmas Lasagna with Bosch
Hey there, I’m Henry, and today, we’re bringing the holiday cheer with a scrumptious Christmas lasagna. You might be wondering, “What makes it Christmassy?” Well, it’s all about the spices and a splash of mulled wine to tie our ragout together. And, of course, a generous sprinkle of Christmas spirit on top! Ready to dive in? Let’s get cracking!
Roasting the Veggies
First up, spread your parsnips and carrots over a baking tray. Give them a good drizzle of olive oil, and sprinkle some rosemary and thyme. Pop them in the oven for 20 minutes. Once they’re done, add the Brussels sprouts—arguably the most Christmassy of vegetables—and return the tray to the oven for another 15 minutes until they start to crisp. As they say, “Brussels sprouts are like Christmas in a bite!”
Crafting the Ragout
While the veggies are roasting, let’s move on to the ragout. Start with some olive oil and onions, sauté them for about five minutes. We’re layering flavors here, so toss in carrots, celery, sage, rosemary, and thyme. It’s like a Christmas carol for your taste buds!
For the “meat,” we’re using finely blitzed mushrooms. “Mushrooms are the new meat,” they say, and we couldn’t agree more! Add tomato puree and cranberry sauce for a bit of zing and sweetness. The secret ingredient? Mulled wine! “Oh my goodness, what a good idea!” Cook it down slowly to let those mulled wine spices shine through. Add two tins of chopped tomatoes and some water, then let it simmer for 25 minutes.
Whipping Up the Bechamel
As the ragout simmers, it’s time for the bechamel. Start with olive oil in a frying pan, add flour, and stir gently to form a thick roux. Slowly pour in milk, stirring continuously to get that perfect thick bechamel sauce. Add a sprinkle of “magic dust”—nutritional yeast—and the classic Christmas spice trilogy: nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. Let it thicken to a custard-like consistency.
Layering the Lasagna
Now for the fun part—layering the lasagna! Begin with a layer of ragout, followed by roasted vegetables, then bechamel. Press down the lasagna sheets to ensure they’re soaked in all that goodness. Repeat the layering process until you finish with a layer of bechamel. Decorate with cranberries, rosemary, and thyme. “Look at that! It’s ready for the oven!”
Baking and Serving
Wrap the dish with tin foil and bake at 180 degrees for 50 minutes. The aroma wafting through the kitchen is like Christmas morning. “You can’t smell this through the screen, but trust us, it’s incredible!”
And there you have it—a delightful Christmas lasagna that tastes like a festive feast. “I love Christmas food, and I love lasagna, so putting them together is a win-win!” The mulled wine adds a depth of flavor that makes you feel like it’s Christmas already.
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